Every now and then the same thought comes to my mind. I’m not sure if most of us have ever been taught what it means to truly, consistently, live our lives in awe of our Creator. It doesn’t seem to be a subject of many sermons, or at least not anything that’s deeply discussed; not in my experience anyway.

I’ve not seen too many “How-To” guides being shared in churches. It’s true that many Christians may experience moments of awe in their lives, but how many of us have really, truly experienced a reverence for our heavenly Father that has us in total awe?

How many of us can say we are in total love (heart, mind and soul) with the Creator of the world? How many of us can say we have a consistent sense of reverence for our precious, heavenly Father? What does true reverence for the Savior of the world look like, anyway?

First, let’s look at the meaning of reverence. Webster’s dictionary defines reverence as “honor or respect that is felt for or shown to (someone or something).” Awe is described as “a strong feeling of fear or respect and also wonder.”

Hebrews 12:28-29 gives us a glimpse, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Psalm 2:11 states we’re to: “Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling.”

As Christians, God wants us to be in total awe of Him. He wants us to give Him our all. He wants all of us and He deserves all of us. His Son paid it all so that we could have it all. God has done so much for each of us. It is difficult to fathom the very depth of His goodness.

He’s given gifts we could never repay, yet so many times we forget to acknowledge them. It’s as though it’s all become commonplace and we fail to exude the gratitude that is due Him…a gratitude He so rightfully deserves. We sometimes lack in our appreciation for His many mercies. We sometimes don’t truly count the cost of His Son’s sacrifice on the cross. We’re not always as thankful as we should be for His unconditional love, His goodness, His forgiveness, and our future eternity.

We fail to always be in awe of His miracles—miracles that should motivate our hearts to move closer to Him and establish a deeper relationship with Him. We should desire His presence more every day, and be thankful that the Creator of all creation yearns to have a deep relationship with each of us. The God of all wants to have all of YOU…your attention, your love, your time, your heart. He loves you with an everlasting, never fading love and He wants a relationship with YOU!

Our heavenly Father’s perfect nature should propel us to sing His praises. Deuteronomy 10:21 says, “He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.”

Psalm 19:1 reminds, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

His promises should push us out of our comfort zones and create within us a desire to share His goodness and the good news of His salvation with others. After all, He breathed His breath into us and made us in His image. He amazingly calls us friend and loves us beyond comprehension.

Why do so many Christians struggle with being in awe and truly revering God?

Is it because we’re too distracted by worldly things? Is it because we’re so busy in the day-to-day affairs of life that we fail to give God but a sliver of our time? Is it a result of simply forgetting to listen to His voice and His command to be still and let Him speak to our hearts? Have we forgotten that He’s to be first in all things?

In 2 Corinthians 7:1 we read, “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

What does reverence for our Creator look like in the life of the believer?

Do we wake up excited, ready to hear God’s voice?
Do we spend time enamored by His creation?
Are we swift to do good and walk the walk of faith?
Do we continually praise Him for His presence?
Do we have hearts of gratitude that grow in grace?
Do we delight in His Word and ways?
Do we marvel at His miracles?
Do we obey His commandments?
Do we put Him first in everything we do?
Do we stand in awe at His awesomeness?
Are we overwhelmed by the very thought of His omnipotence?

What does it take to move us?
What does it take to amaze us?
What does it take to get our hearts pumping and feet jumping?

When does mere appreciation turn to extreme adoration?
When does revelation become elation?
When does our changed life become an effective agent of change in the lives of others?

What will bring us to our feet and put our faith in action?
What will get us to fall on our knees and fall in love with Him, over and over again?
What will compel us to cry tears of joy and bow before Him with humble hearts?
What will make us in awe of the Savior, the King of the whole world?

God has done all He can to get our attention. He set the world in motion and spoke creation into existence. He came, He gave, He saved, He rose.

Out of love, He gave it all. Now, what are we going to give Him in return?

As Christians, we each need to make it our goal to live our lives in such a way that we become more aware of His presence, His gifts, His sacrifice. We need to make it our mission to have our hearts stirred to the point that we live out the remainder of our lives with a sense of true awe and reverence for the very One that’s so deserving of our attention.

This stirring comes from spending time with Him and asking Him to move our souls, reach deep into our hearts, and help us be more in tune to all He has for us, and all He’s done for us.

Psalm 33:8 says, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.”

Deuteronomy 13:4 states, “ It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”

If you are struggling and in need of a stirring that will propel you into a greater realm of reverence and awe, simply ask God to give you a deeper desire and appreciation for Him, and all He’s done for you. Spend your days putting Him first and learning to hear His voice. Make a commitment to faithfully obey His commands. Be assured—He is faithful and will honor your decision and do these things for you, because it’s His will and His best for your life.

hspate@verizon.net

 

 

 

Trust. It’s something God calls us to do, but the act of trusting is much easier said than done. It involves unplugging from one’s own self-sufficiency and plugging into the source of all-sufficiency. It requires letting go of worry, doubt and fear and clinging instead to our Heavenly Father who brings peace, assurance, and joy.

It’s interesting that many don’t exercise trust in God until something major happens. Perhaps their future is suddenly unsure, or God seems silent, or plans change and are quickly disrupted. Yet, we’re called to trust in our Creator 24/7. We’re not to look at the circumstances…we’re to look at Jesus!

Trust calls for flexibility. It’s learning how to go with the flow and stay consistent in Christ-like character so we grow stronger in our walk, not weaker. It allows us to practice what we preach during both the good and the bad seasons in our lives so we can be a positive witness and blessing to others.

Every day we should be trusting God in the little and big things. Trusting draws us closer to Him. It molds us into something better. It grows our character, stretches our faith, and deepens our relationship with God. We often grow the most when we’re in the valley and unable to see what’s around the corner. We become vulnerable and, at times broken, which makes us more dependent in trusting the unknown to the One who knows all. Whether we’re experiencing all that’s good in our lives or going through rough patches, we’re to trust and praise.

If anyone knows about trusting, it’s Paul. Paul wrote something amazing which should inspire each of us when it comes to trusting and following: He said, “ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

God wants us to praise as Paul did regardless of our circumstances. He wants the hard times, the uncertain times in our lives, to increase our trust and faith as we draw closer to Him. If we can’t trust God, the One who created us and the entire world around us, who can we trust? There’s no one in this earth worthy of our trust but Him.

He is good ALL the time. ALL the time, He is good! He promises to provide and deliver in His way and His time. He cares about everything that concerns us, but He wants us not to be concerned about anything. And while we’re in the valley, He promises to meet us there, provide for our needs, mature us (if we’ll let Him) and direct us toward the next step He has planned for our lives.

It’s hard sometimes not to worry when your today is a question mark. But Jesus himself said:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:25-30)

He goes on to say, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

We were never promised a life of ease without complication and struggle. Perhaps it’s because God knows many would not grow, many would not appreciate, and many would not cling to God if their lives were uncomplicated and easy. Jesus Himself said in John 16:33 , “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Praise God that He is bigger than our circumstances. What a precious promise!

Following Jesus involves really following him and resting in the knowledge that He promises to take exceptional care of us and see us through whatever comes our way.

If you’re struggling today, be encouraged by these Scriptures:

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10)

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.” (Psalm 37:23-26)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

If your faith feels shaky, and worry is something you’re experiencing, give yourself a gift today and read Hebrews 11. It paints a beautiful picture of our faithful God in action. Just reading this chapter helps fill my “trust tank” and brings joy when I’m in the valley. It brings peace to my heart as it reminds me of the powerful God I serve. He is capable to take care of me, save me, help me and provide for me.

As children of God, trusting is what we’re called to do. It’s not a feeling, as feelings are fickle and can often lead us astray. It’s a trust that says, “ God’s got my back. He promised he’ll never leave me or forsake me…he’ll always take care of me. I can be at peace because He loves me.” Each time we exercise trust we build our spiritual muscle, which builds our confidence and gives us peace in the midst of our circumstances.

It’s not always easy to put into practice, but it’s about clinging to faith and showing fear the door.

Are you going through a valley right now? Are you unsure of what’s around the corner and worried about your present circumstances? Are you focused on the problem or focused on the One who can solve the problem?

Let this time of testing strengthen you and draw you closer to your heavenly Father. You can trust Him with your life. He knows you by name and cares immeasurably for you.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

hspate@verizon.net