standing in awe
I’m so glad the Lord gives us His Feasts to bring us back to a place of reflection, of pausing to adore. These appointed times are like anchors that keep us from drifting too far into the world’s currents. As I sit to ponder in this season, what comes to me is the remembrance of how little I am and how great our God is.
Lord what is man, that you take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that you are mindful of him? Man is like a breath. His days are like a passing shadow.
Psalm 144:3-4 NKJV
how great is our God!
Nothing solidifies my awe of God more than being on a beach where water pounds into the shore, loud and furious. Nothing brings me to amazement more quickly than gazing into the clear night sky. I see the heavens twinkle and the inky blackness simultaneously come close and stretch into distances unknown.
He is great. And mighty. And powerful.
The waves crash running to the shore; they slow for no man, but for One alone. The stars shine as a vast tapestry but are dim in comparison to the truest form of light: the Light of the world.
We think the earth is huge. What is it really but the footstool of God? What then does that make us in relation to Him? In importance, we are less than dust. And yet, He enjoys us as His beloved creation. This is an amazing love. He sent His Son to die for us. He died for us, just little specks in comparison to His majesty. Think of His majesty and now see what He humbled Himself to become for our sake. He became like a speck of dust. Lowest of the low, He became a servant to the dust to give us an inheritance in His great riches. An inheritance of which we are not worthy.
how do I respond?
Isn’t this amazing? How can I not come to Him with honour and wonder and fear? With my whole self? Might it be that I think myself bigger than dust? Might it be that I have forgotten? Or have I chosen to ignore in whose hands I am resting as I go about my daily pursuits? Lord, make me capable of comprehending within my heart the magnitude of Your being.
Scripture says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31 ESV). A blast from His nostrils moves the waters, baring the foundations of the earth. Yet it is also His breath that gives me breath. He is fury and power and glory and life and mercy … all-encompassing.
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2b ESV).
Be reconciled to God.
Oh, Dayspring from on high! You have given us light in this darkness. We once sat in the shadow of death and You, the bounteous Light of Life, guided us into the way of peace. May it be so for all who seek the truth (see Luke 1:77-79).
One generation shall praise Your works to another,
Psalm 145:4-13 NKJV
And shall declare your mighty acts.
I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty
And on your wondrous works.
Men shall speak of the might of your awesome acts,
And I will declare your greatness.
They shall utter the memory of your great goodness,
And shall sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy.
The Lord is good to all,
And his tender mercies are over all His works.
All your works shall praise You, O Lord,
And your saints shall bless You.
They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,
To make known the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And your dominion endures throughout all generations.
