Awe-Inspired Reverence

Psalm 47:2 reads: For the Lord Most High is to be feared [and worshiped with awe-inspired reverence and obedience]; He is a great King over all the earth (AMP).

Have you ever been in the presence of God and felt the need to fall to your knees in adoration, in “awe-inspired reverence” of Him? That’s what I sensed while visiting the Grand Canyon. I was too aware of the people around me, so I kept standing, but I’ll never forget that powerful experience of God the Creator’s presence in the midst of His creation…

Psalm 14 says, The Lord has looked down from heaven on the children of men to see if there are any who understand (act wisely), who [truly] seek after God, [longing for his wisdom and guidance] (v. 2).

When we receive and follow Jesus, we understand that God is the One who sets the rules, the boundaries, the definitions. God instructs us in what’s right and what’s wrong—all to protect us and help us grow into who we are meant to be: reflections of Him. And He is good, kind, loving, truthful… He is also more powerful than we can fully comprehend, and we need that realization of Him, too.

In Psalm 46:10, God says, “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”

He wants us to consider Him, to know exactly who He is. Because not truly knowing Him leaves us to make up our own rules—to our complete and utter ruin.

Scripture tells us that the enemy of our souls comes to destroy us (John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8). If only everyone could know that God has a high purpose for their lives—in contrast to the enemy’s pathetic squalor.

We have been extended the grace to contemplate the majesty of God and our own eternal destiny. In His love, we receive the fear of God—that “awe-inspired reverence”—to turn from evil, do good, and reject the enemy’s agenda.

Father God… Help us to have moments where we’re literally awestruck in Your presence. We ask that You would use us to reach the ones who don’t know You yet—and bring us all to our knees in repentance and recognition of You and Your ways. Breathe new life into us, Lord, and give us all revival! Amen.

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Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.