Standing in Awe
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 37:1-18; PM Psalm 37:19-42; Hab. 3:1-10(11-15)16-18; Phil. 3:12-21; John 17:1-8
Most Wednesdays, I lead two different Bible studies with a group of Men from Saint Stephen’s and a Young Adult group. At both gatherings, we always begin with three questions, one of which is “Where did you see God this week?” The answers vary from week to week and hopefully the practice is making it a little easier for all of us to see God in our daily lives.
Almost every week, a few of the answers pertain to nature. “Walking my dog last night, I was struck by the largeness of the moon.” Or “we went camping and just being outside was where I saw God.” Even in a community of churchgoers, people who are consistently here on Sunday mornings, receiving the Eucharist weekly, the answer to where one sees God is often in nature.
I’m not especially surprised. I love being outside and dazing at the vast expanse of space, or standing in a river or on a trail, away from the constraints and worries of the pressures of professional life or parenting. And it often reminds me of how large God is and how small we really are.
This morning is one of the rare instances where we hear from the minor prophet Habakkuk who dates back to around the late seventh century BCE. This final section is a prayer that aims to arouse God into action in dealing with the wicked in the world. Habakkuk begins the prayer by recounting the vastness of God, “O Lord, I have heard of your renown, and I stand in awe, O Lord of your work.” Later Habakkuk continues, “His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. For Habakkuk, recognizing that God was bigger than humanity become necessary for how God would also handle the brokenness of humanity.
What strikes me most is how Habakkuk might be identifying a helpful tool in praying for God’s deliverance from the challenges of our lives – that is standing in awe. I’ve certainly been awe-inspired with architecture and maybe ancient cathedrals set to elicit this kind of emotional response, but mother nature does it naturally (pun intended)
Maybe there is some wisdom in taking the posture of Habakkuk, “O Lord, I have heard of your renown, and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work.” To balance the worry of the world we should look for the vastness and greatness of God.
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: Where have you seen God lately? What experiences cause you to stand in awe? What is your most memorable moment in mother nature?
Daily Challenge: Take a walk today or do something outside you wouldn’t normally do. If you live near Saint Stephen’s, I suggest Jemison Trail, Cahaba River Park, or Oak Mountain Park.