Living in Awe of God

Every day I have the opportunity to sin against God.

Whether in a major way or something seemingly minor, there’s always that chance to do something I know full well would be displeasing in His sight. For full traansparency, there are times when I take that chance – much to my later chagrin and regret.

However, there are times when I am able to see the attempt to sin for what it is and there is one of a number of methods that I’m learning to employ to defeat the ploy. That method is simply known as the awe of God.

Consider this.

The Creator of the universe, the Holy One of Israel, the Ruler of the heavens and the earth, the one who raises up and brings down all leaders, administrations, empires and kingdoms. The One who made everything there is to see with such attention to detail and wisdom, who was able deliver people from slavery and establish people in the place of prosperity. Here is the Magnificent One who saw a rebellious creation and reached out to them in love to restore a right relationship with them. Here is the Great One who embodied peace and love and expressed so much mercy and compassion for those who disregarded Him. Here He is in majesty and beauty, in holiness and splendour, in brilliance and excellence.

And He calls me to belong to His family and receive the eternal benefits to enjoy from knowing Him, loving for Him and living for Him. He lifts me out of despair and depression to discover what true joy is really about. He perseveres with me when I’m cumbersome and sloppy. He restores me when I mess up big time and don’t think I’m good enough anymore. He supports and guides me and inspires me to new heights of existence here with hope for an even better day coming. This same God, invites me and desires for me to have that relationship with Him. He – and there is no one greater, more righteous or more awe-inspiring than Him – extends that to me.

…

And I’m going to sin against Him?

Living in awe of the beautiful Saviour helps me deal with the great urge to sin. As I said, I’m not perfect. I’m certainly not sinless, but I can understand, appreciate and apply a lot more that thinking of never wanting to do anything to displease this beautiful, brilliant and glorious God.

(Photo by Joshua Gresham on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden