Listen

God’s handiwork is honesty and justice; all God’s rules are trustworthy— they are established always and forever: they are fulfilled with truth and right doing. God sent redemption for his people; God commanded that his covenant last forever. Holy and awesome is God’s name! Fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins; sure knowledge is for all who keep God’s laws. God’s praise lasts forever!

Psalm 111:7-10

Think

A phrase at the end of this passage can be confusing to some because it just doesn’t sound right – “fear of the Lord.” Today we often understand fear as being scared or afraid. For example, I have a fear of snakes. But the fear of God is better understood as not about being afraid of God but rather to be in awe of God. Fear makes us pull back and hide. But when we are in awe of something, we are open to its wonder and magnificence. If you’ve stood before some incredible natural views, it’s easy to understand this sensation of awe.

Standing before God, we also stand in awe as we see the handiwork, the history of God’s interaction with humanity and creation. This awe-inspiring view of what God has done for us helps us to remember who God is and who we are as God’s beloved, that God’s covenant is forever and God’s praise is forever, too. It can fill our souls.

Kris “Bubba” Brammer

Pray

Gracious and loving God, open my eyes each day to the glory of your handiwork and the everlasting covenant of your love, so that I may forever be in awe of you, of your creation, and of your people. Continue to inspire me to reflect your work so that others may see your presence in all of your creation and in me. Amen.

Go

Go. Go from the well of God’s Word and presence, knowing that what we draw there sustains us, renews us, and gives us life to be the people of God and Christ’s light in the world.