The first half of this stanza identified two ways we can focus intentionally on God’s Word. This passage reveals yet a third way that we can do so. You can read it for yourself in Psalm 119:117-120:

In the first half of this strophe, we saw that being intentional about being in God’s Word is the only way that we can maintain a relationship with the Scriptures that helps us grow. It won’t happen by accident; we must choose to stay on the right path, and be strategically deliberate in staying there.

The first way listed here is through a simple determination to obey God’s Word. The second way listed is found in verses 116 and 117, and shows us that we must seek God’s grace and help to stay connected to him.

The third way that we can stay focused in our relationship with God and his Word is by simply recognizing and standing in awe of who God is. When we realize that it is only by the grace of God that we can stay connected to God, we realize just how helpless we are, and how much need we have of him. That realization should bring us to our knees in awe and wonder.

And it is when we see God for who he fully is, that’s when we can begin to see just how bad the world’s way is. It is only as we tremble in awe before a holy God that we will ever see the distorted values of this world. Those things that this world entices us with are empty, and they cannot give us what we need. That can only come from the Creator of everything.

The danger to our souls is in this: If we do not tremble before God, the world’s systems will seem like the answer to our deceived minds, and they will consume us.

I believe that we have lost this concept in our worship today. We view God as our buddy, as our pal, and we seek to have a relaxed relationship with him, like we were with a friend sitting around the grill on a nice summer evening. To be sure, God is our friend, and his friendship is wonderful. But he is also much, much more than that. He is a holy and just God, and all-powerful.

We must not forget that as we read his Word. And at the same time, through reading his Word, we are reminded of that truth frequently. Look for that as you read through his Word. Perhaps you could seek it throughout Psalm 119.

Question: How often are you reminded of God holy and powerful nature? Does it drive you to your knees in awe? You can leave a comment by clicking here.