Living in Awe: Embracing God's Presence Daily

As the lead pastor of our church, I delivered a sermon that focused on the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence and works in our lives. The repeated exclamation of "wow" throughout the sermon was a deliberate choice to emphasize the overwhelming sense of wonder and amazement we should feel when we contemplate the divine. This expression of awe is not just a fleeting emotional response; it is a profound recognition of the majesty and mystery of God that should permeate every aspect of our Christian walk.

The sermon began by exploring the biblical foundation for awe in the presence of God. We looked at instances in Scripture where individuals encountered God and were left in a state of wonder and reverence. These moments are not just historical accounts; they are invitations for us to enter into a similar experience of holy astonishment. As we engage with the living God, we too are called to respond with a heart full of "wow."

We then transitioned to discussing the implications of living in a state of awe. This posture of the heart changes how we approach worship, prayer, and our daily interactions. When we are truly captivated by the grandeur of God, our worship becomes more than a routine; it becomes a passionate outpouring of gratitude and adoration. Our prayers are infused with a sense of humility and dependence, recognizing that we are communicating with the Creator of the universe. And our interactions with others are marked by a love and generosity that flow from our awe-inspired view of God's love for us.

The sermon also addressed the challenges of maintaining this sense of awe in a world that often seems mundane or even hostile to the divine. We were reminded that awe is not dependent on our circumstances but on our awareness of God's constant presence and activity. Even in the ordinary or difficult moments of life, we can choose to see the fingerprints of God and respond with wonder.

Finally, the sermon called the congregation to action. We were encouraged to cultivate awe in our lives by actively seeking God through His Word, creation, and the community of believers. By intentionally opening our hearts to the possibility of encountering God in new and profound ways, we can sustain a life of awe that honors Him and transforms us.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Reading

Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV) — > "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?"

2. Isaiah 6:1-5 (NIV)
> "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.' At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 'Woe to me!' I cried. 'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.'"

3. Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)
> "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 'Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?' 'Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?' For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

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Observation Questions

1. What are some examples from the Bible where individuals encountered God and were left in a state of wonder and reverence? (Isaiah 6:1-5)
2. How does Psalm 8:3-4 describe the awe-inspiring nature of God's creation?
3. According to Romans 11:33-36, what aspects of God’s nature should lead us to a sense of awe and wonder?
4. In the sermon, what were some of the ways mentioned that awe influences our worship and prayer life? [49:33]

Interpretation Questions

1. How does the experience of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-5 illustrate the proper response to encountering God's presence?
2. What does Psalm 8:3-4 suggest about our significance in the grand scheme of God's creation, and how should this impact our sense of awe?
3. Romans 11:33-36 speaks of the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge. How should this understanding shape our daily walk with God?
4. The sermon mentioned that living in awe of God influences our interactions with others. How does this manifest in practical terms? [37:51]

Application Questions

1. Reflect on a recent moment when you felt a sense of awe towards God. How did it affect your worship or prayer life? [55:09]
2. In what ways can you intentionally seek to cultivate a sense of awe in your daily routine? Consider specific actions or practices. [01:04:15]
3. Think about your current prayer life. How can you incorporate a greater sense of humility and dependence on God in your prayers? [01:08:19]
4. How can you demonstrate love and generosity in your interactions with others as a reflection of your awe-inspired view of God's love for you? [37:51]
5. Identify one area of your life where you often overlook God's presence. What steps can you take to become more aware of His activity in that area?
6. How can you use moments of awe to deepen your faith and enrich your worship, even in the mundane or challenging aspects of life? [01:04:15]
7. Share a time when you struggled to maintain a sense of awe due to difficult circumstances. How did you overcome it, or how might you approach it differently now? [01:04:15]