Awe
Standing in Awe: The definition of Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. Being filled with awe is an experience we’ve all had. It’s difficult to explain it and words never truly do it justice. Awe might occur as you stand on the edge of a volcano contemplating the immense power and force of nature you are witnessing, or the feeling you get as you look out across the vast savannahs of the Kalahari at dawn. It is a feeling that grabs a hold of you and powerfully stirs emotions. It can also be as simple as looking at the night sky while the faint diaphanous light of the moon basks the ground and the clouds sit ever so still like they are pasted on a canvas of stars. Vincent Van Gogh felt awe in such a way even though his painting Starry Night depicts the view from his dreary asylum room. He managed to capture the aspirations of hope he derived from the sky and stars despite his situation. Van Gogh once stated, “I don’t know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream.” Awe is also not exclusively based in nature as people experience awe in a variety of settings and moments throughout life. These moments of awe are often followed by deep introspective thoughts. They can also be powerful times when life decisions are made. As Christians, awe is felt in the presence of God as we contemplate His power, strength and love. How can we do anything but worship the Creator of all things when we comprehend what He has done and what he will do? “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” — Psalms 33:6–8. The awe we comprehend in nature, the heavens, or the moments of life is all because of God and His creative power. The more we pay heed to this truth the more we become reverent, humble, and appreciative of Him.
Awesome God: “But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” — He said to the paralytic — “I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.” — Luke 5:26. Jesus performed many miracles and those who witnessed them stood in awe. However, there are people today who like to reduce Jesus to just a good philosopher. But that is not who He was. He was the prophesied Messiah, the Son of God, the one who proved himself in both word and deed, the one who died and rose from the dead. He paid the price for our sins and gives life to those who believe. This is powerful and awe-inspiring to think about. The trap that leads many to the path of unbelief is the denigration of the Godhood of Jesus. We must never forget that he healed the sick, raised the dead, and performed miracles that left everyone in amazement and wonder. The more we remember what Jesus did, the more we will stand in awe of Him. This is why we take communion in churches — for us to remember the sacrifice He made. If you find yourself overwhelmed by life, take time to remember the Lord. Stand in awe of him and realize your problems are just a spec in the scheme of things. Be grateful always and live humbly before Him. “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” — Hebrews 12:28–29.
Inspiration: Awe is often the forerunner of inspiration. People can witness something incredible and become awestruck by that event. These events can then translate into a life quest and/or inspiration. Think about the things that have inspired you. Most likely they are still driving forces in your life today. It is a common theme to hear someone say, “I have been fascinated by this since I was a child.” The moments of awe we experience in life can lead us to amazing places, but in all things, we must remember God in our endeavors. Those who do not regard Him chase what never can be attained. For in Him reside all the mysteries and answers from the beginning. The Apostles, the Prophets, and the heroes of the Bible all stood in awe of Him and placed God above all things. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” — Psalm 90:2. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” — John 1:1–5. “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.” — Hebrews 1:1–4. When we place God above all things we truly put what is important first.
In Him,
Tim and Will