Living in Awe: Embracing God's Presence Daily
Summary
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:
- Awe is the proper response to the reality of God's presence and works in our lives. When we allow ourselves to be struck by the wonder of who God is and what He has done, our faith is deepened and our worship is enriched. This sense of awe is not just for the extraordinary moments but should be a constant undercurrent in our daily walk with God. [49:33]
- Worship that stems from awe is vibrant and authentic. It transcends routine and becomes a true reflection of our reverence for God. When we worship with awe, we are not just going through the motions; we are connecting with God on a deep, personal level, offering Him the honor He deserves. [55:09]
- Prayer grounded in awe is powerful and transformative. It acknowledges God's sovereignty and our own humility. This type of prayer aligns our hearts with God's will and opens us up to the profound work He wants to do in and through us. [01:08:19]
- Living in awe of God influences how we interact with others. It compels us to love more deeply, serve more willingly, and give more generously. When we are in awe of God's love for us, it naturally overflows into our relationships, making us conduits of His grace and kindness. [37:51]
- Cultivating a life of awe requires intentionality. We must actively seek God in all areas of life, expecting to encounter Him in both the spectacular and the mundane. By doing so, we keep our sense of wonder alive and allow it to shape our perspective and actions. [01:04:15]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
#### 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]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Awe in God's Presence
Awe is the heart's natural response when one truly grasps the reality of God's presence and works. This profound sense of wonder is not reserved for the extraordinary but is meant to be a continuous thread woven through the fabric of everyday life. It is in the daily recognition of God's majesty and grace that faith deepens and worship becomes a rich, fulfilling experience. To live in awe is to see the world through a lens of divine significance, where every moment holds the potential for revelation and every aspect of life is an opportunity to witness the handiwork of the Creator.
"O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great." - Psalm 104:24-25
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily awareness of God's presence in your routine today?
Day 2: Worship with Reverent Awe
True worship flows from a heart that is captivated by the grandeur of God. It transcends the boundaries of routine, becoming a vibrant and authentic expression of reverence and adoration. When one worships with awe, the experience is not about fulfilling an obligation but about connecting with the divine on a deep, personal level. This kind of worship is a powerful testament to the honor and glory due to God, reflecting a genuine understanding of His worthiness and a desire to exalt Him above all else.
"But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him." - Habakkuk 2:20
Reflection: What aspect of God's character or works can you focus on to deepen your sense of awe during worship this week?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer that is grounded in awe acknowledges the vastness of God's sovereignty and the humility of our own position. It is not a mere recitation of requests but a transformative communion with the Creator of the universe. Such prayer aligns the heart with God's will, opening the individual to the profound work He desires to accomplish. It is in this sacred space of vulnerability and dependence that one can truly experience the power of prayer to change lives and circumstances.
"For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?" - Psalm 89:6-7
Reflection: In what ways can you approach your prayer life with a deeper sense of awe and expectancy?
Day 4: Awe-Inspired Relationships
Living in awe of God's love transforms how one interacts with others. It inspires a love that is deeper, a service that is more willing, and a generosity that is more abundant. Recognizing the magnitude of God's love for oneself naturally overflows into relationships, prompting acts of grace and kindness. This awe-inspired approach to others is a reflection of the divine love at work within, compelling one to become a conduit of God's compassion in the world.
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." - 1 John 3:16
Reflection: How can your interactions today reflect the awe you have for God's love?
Day 5: Intentionality in Cultivating Awe
Cultivating a life of awe requires an intentional pursuit of God in all areas of life. It involves actively seeking encounters with the divine, whether in the pages of Scripture, the beauty of creation, or the fellowship of believers. Expecting to meet God in both the spectacular and the mundane keeps the sense of wonder alive and shapes one's perspective and actions. This intentional pursuit of awe is a journey of discovery, where each step taken in faith reveals more of God's glory and mystery.
"Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them." - Psalm 111:2
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to actively seek and recognize God's presence in your life?
Quotes
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