Awesome God

I read a sentence this morning that said how awesome our God is. It brought back memories of when my children were younger and they would use the word “awesome” to describe anything that was good to them. I would tell them “let’s not use the word awesome for that but let’s reserve that word to describe God.” I know they thought I was being silly. But, does their generation and our generation lack a sense of reverence and awe towards God? Are we slowly losing our sense of awe for God, who He is and His presence? My point was not that the word “awesome” is reserved for God only but I wanted my children to put that in perspective to the rest of their lives. God is different from rich, gooey chocolate brownies. God is different from that flashy, red Corvette. God is awesome and to be revered. Brownies and fancy cars are close to awesome but not to be revered. Nothing can compare to God. Our human language is inadequate to describe God but “awesome” comes close. The definition of awesome is to have an inspiring, overwhelming reverential fear and reverence for God. Reverence is fear mingled with respect that is deeply felt and outwardly demonstrated. So, when we call things here on earth “awesome”, what word does that leave to describe God? Everything can’t be awesome so let’s save it mostly for God because God is awesome! “Let them praise your great and AWESOME name!!! Psalm 99:3 And, if you’re thinking how does describing God or using the word “awesome God” show reverence and awe towards God-try listing, out loud, all the characteristics of God. Who is He? Awesome, holy, eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, unchanging, unshakable, infinite, all powerful, self-sufficient, love, good, merciful, sovereign, grace, omnipresent, our Heavenly Father, compassionate, refuge, peace, righteous, pure, faithful, salvation, perfect...... These words can’t adequately describe God but they do point towards the reality of God. Words acknowledge the greatness of His sacrifice and the knowledge of who He is and the depth of His love for us. That leaves me with a sense of inspiring wonder and overwhelming sense of awe!

“For the Lord most high is awesome! Psalm 47:2a