Reverence for God
by Tom Brown
"the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him…” (Ps. 147:11)
The fear of the Lord is a perplexing concept for most, often evoking more confusion than worship. This is especially true when the Bible says that God, “takes pleasure in those who fear him." It might be helpful to know that “fear" in this verse is synonymous with the word “reverence." God’s pleasure is not derived from our anxious trembling, but rather from our reverent trust. But even the word “reverence” is an almost foreign ideal to our modern ears. So what does it actually mean to fear the Lord, to have reverence for God?
Reverence for God is to be altogether convinced that he is greater than you in every way—that he is holy, perfect, and good at all times. We become reverent when we forfeit our suspicions and prideful assumptions about the character of God and instead allow his Word to define our perception of him. The heart-posture of reverence is formed through a growing understanding of the absolute supremacy of God.
To be reverent for God is to be convinced that...
His Word is sharper than my words. He speaks what I cannot speak. (Heb. 4:12)
His wisdom is greater than my wisdom. He knows what I cannot know. (Isa. 55:8-9)
His power is stronger than my power. He moves what I cannot move. (Job 38:4)
His compassion is humbler than my compassion. He loves those I cannot love. (Zeph. 3:17)
His faithfulness is sturdier than my faithfulness. He remains when I cannot remain. (Ps. 115:1)
His patience is kinder than my patience. He waits for what I cannot wait. (2 Pet. 3:9)
His timing is more perfect than my timing. He delivers when I cannot deliver. (Gen. 22:14)
His mercy is more sacrificial than my mercy. He withholds what I cannot withhold. (Jn. 1:29)
His grace is more lavish than my grace. He gives what I cannot give. (Eph. 2:7)
His will is more perfect than my will. He desires what I cannot desire. (Jm. 1:18)
In every way, my God is altogether holy. (Isa. 6:3)
In every way, my God is altogether perfect. (Ps. 18:30)
In every way, my God is altogether good. (Ps. 100:5)
This understanding of God’s holy character enables us to true humility. We no longer meet the various trials of life with an underlying suspicion against our Creator, a deeply rooted pride that believes we know better than God. Instead, with reverence in our hearts, we greet each passing moment with peace and thanksgiving, knowing that his sovereign will always means our greatest good, (Rom. 8:28). His Word offers the world countless evidences of his faultless nature and unwavering faithfulness. The Bible is chalked full of rich food to nourish and satisfy the souls of men. But the question for us today is not a question of knowledge, it is a question of worship. It is not enough to know information about God, to memorize facts and agree with ideals; if we are to have a heart of reverence we must believe these truths for ourselves, we must let the greatness of our God overwhelm our soul; we must worship.
Are you convinced of the holy, perfect, and good character of God?
Are you convinced that God only and always does what is righteous? Are you convinced that though you are but one human being among billions, he knows the number of hairs upon your head? Are you convinced that no circumstance in your life is outside of his loving and watchful care? Are you convinced that he spoke the world into motion and upholds the universe by the might of his power? Are you convinced that his judgment is just, his mercy abundant, and his grace inexhaustible? Are you convinced that he is altogether greater than you in every way and worthy of your reverent worship?
"the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him…” (Ps. 147:11)
The pride of the human soul is melted by revelations of the glory of its Maker. Wherever his glory has been revealed his name shall be revered.