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Welcome to Going in Grace, a podcast where we go beyond simply understanding God's Word—we explore how to live it out daily, making a meaningful impact in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Welcome back. Today, we’re talking about something that’s often overlooked in our modern walk with God: reverence. Not fear in the sense of terror, but awe. Deep respect. A holy awareness that God is not just our helper or our friend—He is the King of Kings, the Creator of the Universe, and He is holy.
We live in a time where casualness is celebrated. We want closeness with God—and that’s good. But sometimes, in our pursuit of intimacy, we forget that He is not just “somebody.” He is God Almighty.
Let’s start with Isaiah 55:8–9 (NKJV):
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
That’s the foundation of reverence. God is higher. Holier. Wiser. We don’t get to reshape Him into what’s comfortable for us. We must see Him as He truly is—and choose to trust Him, even when we don’t understand.
In Psalm 89:7 (NKJV), we read:
“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.”
Reverence is not optional. It’s the posture of those who truly know Him. It’s how we approach the throne—not flippantly, not casually, but with humility and awe.
Now, let’s talk about closeness. God absolutely desires intimacy with us. He invites us in. James 4:8 (NKJV) says: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
But notice the call to purity. Drawing near to God isn’t just emotional—it’s spiritual. It’s a cleansing. A surrender. We don’t draw near to God to make Him more like us—we draw near so we can become more like Him.
In Hebrews 12:28–29 (NKJV), we’re reminded: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”
That’s the balance. Grace and reverence. Closeness and awe. He is a consuming fire. Not to be played with. Not to be molded into our preferences. He is holy. And yet—He loves us. He invites us in. He calls us sons and daughters. But we must never forget who He is.
Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NKJV): “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”
That’s it. That’s our purpose. Fear God. Keep His commandments. That’s reverence in action.
So how do we cultivate reverence in a world that encourages casualness?
1. Spend time in Scripture. Let the Word reveal who God is—not just what He does for us.
2. Pray with humility. Approach God with honor, not entitlement.
3. Worship with awe. Don’t rush through praise. Let your heart bow before Him.
4. Guard your language. Speak of God with respect. He’s not “the man upstairs”—He’s the Lord of Hosts.
5. Obey quickly. Reverence shows up in obedience. When God speaks, we respond.
Let’s close with Revelation 4:11 (NKJV): “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
That’s who He is. Worthy. Glorious. Powerful. Creator. Sustainer. King. So yes—get close to Him. Know Him. Love Him. But never forget to revere Him. He is not just somebody. He is everything.
Thanks for joining me today. May we walk in intimacy with God—but never lose our awe. Until next time, stay rooted in truth and reverence.
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