01.27.12
Psalms 111: 5, 9
5He provides food for
those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
9 He sent redemption
to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
Reflection byJoshua Durst
I am petrified of snakes. I mean… I am petrified of snakes to the point of hyperventilating. Let a spider or bug crawl on me all day—no worries. The dark of night, flying on a plane, public speaking…all have nothing on me. But… anything bigger than a common earthworm is sure to evoke deep panic.
We all have our fears – some rational while others irrational. Fear can cause us intense anxiety and pain, but also cause us to take actions way out of our comfort zones. Getting past a fear, although difficult and challenging, can certainly cause us to grow and learn.
This scripture lesson includes the word fear. I must admit that “fearing” God is a concept that I have always struggled with in my life, especially in my youth. I would often wonder why I was required by the Bible to fear the sustaining Grace in my life, to fear the embodiment of perfect love and devotion. To be honest, the whole concept of fearing God turned me completely off.
In college, I remember speaking to a friend at the campus ministry I attended about the idea of fearing God and my apprehension of the topic. She shared with me her common experience with the idea, but then shared a revelation that I remember to this day. She encouraged me to substitute the phrase “be in awe of God” each time that I was admonished to fear God. Being in awe of God – now
that is certainly an idea I could wrap my head and heart around.
I am in awe of God in the decision to create me – to give me life. I am in awe of God for giving me amazing people with whom to share my life’s journey – family, friends, co-workers, fellow church members, mentors, and others who touch my life in small and great ways. I am in awe of God for creating an amazing planet from the smallest single celled creature to the blue whale (okay, I might even be in awe of snakes too…)
God’s Love though causes me the most awe. Through my celebrations and struggles, through each path in my journey, it is God who sustains. It is God who dances with me in times of joy, cries with me in times of sorrow, is quiet with me in times of peace, and holds my hand in times of confusion.
It is God. It is God. It is perfection and there is no fear, only awe.
Prayer:
Creator Spirit. We are in awe of your amazing Grace and Love. We are grateful for our lives and for all with whom we share our journeys. Teach us to follow your example and live our lives in perfect Love. Amen
