Ps. 47:1, 2; 33:8 We may say many different items, sights, or experiences are awesome. But when Scripture says God is awesome, it puts him in a class by himself. Awesome: wonder that is inspired by overwhelming greatness (as in beauty, power or size)
God is the perfection of all virtues. I think of God as awesome in the sense of breathtaking.
I. God is awesome in his word and works Ps. 33:4-9
Only God can create something out of nothing. He said, “Let there be,” and there it was. God’s word is right. It is the standard by which we are to live, and Jesus said his word is the standard by which we will be judged. God revealed himself and his will to us in his word, and God works in ways to confirm and fulfill his word.
II. God is awesome in his love & mercy Ps. 33:18, 19
The same Hebrew word is translated goodness, lovingkindness, and mercy. The Lord can keep us alive physicaly, regardless of our circumstances. And he is the only one who can deliver us from spiritual death that sin caused.
Sin is breaking God’s word. The sin in our hearts condemns us and separates us from God. But God loved us so much that he gave his sinless Son, Jesus, to suffer and die on a cross to take the judgment of our sins for us.
Now God’s Spirit convicts us of our sin and draws us to believe God’s word in our heart that Jesus is Lord. He forgives all our sins, he gives us his righteousness, and he lives in our hearts to help us do God’s will. The truth becomes personal. My God is awesome.
Ps. 33:8, 18 An accurate view of God, his holiness and power, his grace and mercy, is connected to the proper fear of God.
Ex. 20:18-21 Godly fear keeps us close to the Lord and inspires us to do his word Ps. 128:1.
Ps. 34:11, 12 Jesus said the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He came that we may have life and life more abundantly. A godly life is a good life. The fear of the Lord promotes a good, godly life Ps. 34:13-15. This is practical truth. 1 Pet. 3:10-12 quotes these verses as the way to experience God’s blessing in times of suffering.
God is awesome, so let’s:
I. Trust him Ps. 33:21; 34:22
If we trust God, if we are confident in his love, and if we rely on his power, we’ll do what he said. Trusting God is how we experience the peace of God.
II. Praise him Ps. 33:1; 34:1-3
We praise God for who he is, what he’s done, what he’s doing, and what he will yet do.
Here’s a question for you to think about this week as you focus on Ps. 47:2.
In what ways do you think of God as awesome?