Growing in Reverence for God

Too often, we rush into God's presence casually, forgetting that He is holy, powerful, and utterly majestic. Reverence isn't fear that drives us away—it's awe that draws us near. It's the heart posture that says, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.” (Psalm 33:8, ESV)

What does it mean to stand in awe of the Lord?

In a world that often rushes past mystery and flattens everything sacred into something familiar or manageable, Psalm 33:8 calls us back to something deeper—something transcendent. This verse doesn’t merely instruct a response; it invites us to encounter a reality so glorious, so powerful, that the only fitting posture is one of holy awe.

This kind of awe doesn’t come from pressure or obligation—it flows from recognition. When we begin to see God as He truly is—righteous, sovereign, infinite in power and glory—our response isn’t flippancy. It’s wonder. Reverence invites us to slow down, to bow low, and to approach Him with intention and humility. It doesn’t just affect our posture in worship; it reshapes how we think, live, and love. It aligns our thoughts, decisions, and affections with the One who is worthy of it all.

To fear the Lord is not to cower like a child hiding from a storm. It is to recognize His unmatched greatness, His unchanging justice, and His unsearchable wisdom. It’s to feel the weight of His glory and the kindness of His mercy—and to realize that we are standing before someone infinitely above us, yet astonishingly near.

But what does reverence actually look like in everyday life? And why should it matter?

Reverence shows up in how we listen to God's Word. It changes how we speak His name, how we treat others, how we handle His presence in worship, and how we make decisions in private. Reverence calls us to remember: This is not common ground. This is holy ground.

That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring in our August Bible Reading Plan—a 31-day journey into the awe and wonder of God.