The Awe-inspiring God! - June 20th, 2011

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
   God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth    and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power,
   having armed yourself with strength,
who stilled the roaring of the seas,
   the roaring of their waves,
   and the turmoil of the nations.
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
   where morning dawns, where evening fades,
   you call forth songs of joy. 

Psalm 65:5-8 (NIV)

History and Context:

This Psalm, as so many were, was a psalm of David. Though David was clearly by no means perfect, he was considered 'a man after God's own heart'. While the Bible does not give a direct explanation as to how he was 'after God's own heart'., the Bible does make clear that he had a heart for worship. He was constantly in awe at the Lord's creation, and the works of His hands. Though many psalms were entreaties for God to help in a time of need, this Psalm is simply a psalm of praise. It declares the awesomeness of God and His worthiness to be praised.

The Text:

The Psalmist is simply marveling at the greatness of God and His power. He formed the mountains and controls the mighty waves of the sea. God is powerful, strong, He is awesome. Not simply awesome in today's slang, but the true meaning of awesome. He inspires awe in us when we see Him at work and this psalm, this song, is simply an expression of that awe by a 'man after His own heart'.

The Challenge:

Yesterday we discussed one aspect of the character of God; He is our Father, our daddy. It was a look at the intimate side of God, a very important side of God. Today, the challenge for us is to look at and recognize another part of God's character; He is awesome! The challenge is for us to do exactly what David is doing in this psalm; let us marvel at His greatness, let us praise Him for His power and His strength. For me this challenge leads me to copy this psalm down and put it in my pocket. Then I will continually, throughout the day, pull it out and read it over again. For you maybe there is a modern praise song that really speaks to you about the awesomeness of God, or maybe there's another psalm that speaks to you even more. Maybe God will lead to take an extra long walk through nature to marvel at His creation. However God leads you to do it today, take in His awesomeness, His power, His strength!

The Prayer:

Lord, you are truly awesome! Help me to understand that to a fuller degree today. Show me, to another extent, how amazing your creation is. Show me your power, and your strength! In Jesus' name, Amen!

*Note: There is a great blog about some of God's amazing creatures (though I am not sure the author sees them as God's). Here it is: Real Monstrosities. Just in case you are looking for more inspiration.*