“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:1-4 NIV)
When Sunday arrives each week, worshippers assemble together with an awe of the Almighty, Eternal God. This awe of God transcends the worshippers and everything around them. Of course, our worship is not a Sunday-Only experience. We worship him everyday, but our awe of him brings us together each Sunday for a special expression of our awe.
In the past, our awe of God caused us to wear our best clothes — our Sunday best. Our awe of God and the desire for his grace was stronger than the weather too. This awe of God could be seen in whole families as they worshipped together. America was considered a Christian nation. We were awestruck with God!
Today, however, the awe of God has dimmed. An unknown author has written, “When we cease to wonder, we cease to worship.” Families may or may not worship together. People trickle in to the services. They come last and slip away first. It is as they do not want to greet or be greeted. They missed the opening call to worship, much of the sermon, and the benediction. One wonders what they came for — not much that is certain.
Truly, God meets with those who want his comfort and strength for their journeys. Awe in our souls makes us glorify the Lord “at all times.” This awe causes praises to escape continually from our lips. Awe of God creates pride in God’s work — whether we are afflicted or rejoicing. It is a blessing to be around those who are awestruck about God.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Grant that we may never lose our awe of the Eternal, Holy God. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your awe of God,