Fear the Lord. Be awed by God. Exclaim, “WOW, God!”
That’s how we need to live. When we hear “fear the Lord,” it’s more than a trembling state of being scared. It’s a sense of extreme awe and wonder at the majesty and perfection of God. From his creation to his love for us. There are many reasons to “fear.”
So long as we live in this holy state of “fear” or “WOW”, our lives can take on a whole new meaning. When we put things into perspective and give God the honor he deserves.
Some of the illustrations in this psalm are a little intimidating though. I’m not sure what I have in common with a “fruitful grapevine”. So I did some checking of other translations. Even the King James talks of a vine. The Message paraphrase suggests the wife will bear children as the grapevine bears grapes. That’s a lot of children! Or referring back to Psalm 127, many blessings.
Not sure the kids would like to be olive trees, but olive trees are hearty. The olive branch is often thought of as a symbol of abundance, glory, and peace. Again, many blessings.
So do you live in awe of God? How do you get your heart and mind to that place of saying, “Wow, God”? For me, I look to nature. Living here in Mexico I have encountered so many new bugs, flowers, trees, and even our grass is different from what I am used to. The smell of cut grass is still the same though. To look at the intricacies of the beauty around me really helps me to be awestruck.
Others look to the human body, the life cycles of living creatures, a sunset, space and beyond. What works for you? Find that happy place where you are quiet with God. Close your eyes and imagine the creator of the universe is holding you, loving you, guiding you. Wow, God!
Let’s pray. Thank you for all you do and have done for me. I am in awe of you and your majesty. I do fear your power over all things, and that same fear comforts me. Thank you for the security of being in your loving arms. Thank you for bringing to me to this place today where I can shut out the world and just breathe in your Spirit ever deeper. Watch over those whom I love, especially my olive branches, and bring them to a moment like this, wowed by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
