Modern life often conditions us to treat everything casually. We communicate casually, dress casually, speak casually, and even approach weighty matters casually. But when Scripture describes God, it refuses to let us shrink Him down to something ordinary or familiar.
Hebrews 12 gives us a striking reminder: “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28–29).
The imagery is vivid — not a flickering candle, not a small camp flame, but a consuming fire. That description speaks to His power, His holiness, His intensity, and His unwavering devotion to His people (Deuteronomy 4:24; Isaiah 6:1–5). It invites us to consider whether our posture toward Him reflects the reality of who He is.
Reverence, then, is not an outdated concept. It is the proper response of a heart that truly sees God (Proverbs 9:10).
Seeking God’s Will in Every Corner of Life
Reverence is not simply a mood we feel during worship. It is a way of living — a willingness to seek God’s will in every decision we make (Colossians 3:17). Believers often affirm this easily when thinking about worship practices or church leadership, but reverence reaches far deeper.
Reverence shapes how we treat our marriages — with selflessness, patience, and Christlike love (Ephesians 5:25). Reverence shapes how we raise children — guiding them toward God through instruction, consistency, and example (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Ephesians 6:4). Reverence shapes our private lives — what we watch, how we speak, how we use our bodies, and how we conduct ourselves when no one is watching (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5).
Reverence asks: “What does God desire from me in this moment?” and then chooses obedience over impulse.
Learning from Misplaced Priorities
The story of David attempting to bring the ark to Jerusalem is rich with lessons (2 Samuel 6:1–9). David’s intention was good — he wanted the ark restored to its rightful place. But intention alone was not enough. David ignored God’s clear instructions for how the ark was to be carried, and the results were tragic (Numbers 4:15).
It wasn’t that David dismissed God outright. He simply adopted the method he saw from others. That subtle shift — imitating what seems normal instead of seeking what God has revealed — led him away from God’s will.
Reverence means we align ourselves with God’s wisdom, not human trends (Proverbs 3:5–7). It challenges us to ask whether the way we build our homes, pursue careers, spend our time, and order our priorities truly reflects His will — or whether it simply mirrors the world around us (Romans 12:2).
When Sacred Things Become Too Familiar
One of the most sobering insights from the ark narrative is the danger of familiarity. Uzzah, who reached out impulsively to steady the ark, had grown up around it his entire life. The ark, once the symbol of God’s presence and holiness, had perhaps become ordinary to him (2 Samuel 6:6–7).
Familiarity can dull reverence.
The same danger exists for us. Prayer — a moment when we speak to the Creator — can become rushed or thoughtless. Worship — an offering before the Almighty — can become a routine. The Lord’s Supper — a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice — can pass with little reflection. Scripture warns that even sacred practices can be approached in an unworthy or careless way if the heart is not engaged (1 Corinthians 11:27–29).
It is not intentional irreverence that creeps in; it is the slow drift of a heart growing accustomed to holy things.
Reverence is not fear of approaching God — it is awareness of who we are approaching (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2). It calls us to renew our wonder, to remember the privilege of worship, and to treat God’s gifts with the seriousness they deserve.
Joy Is Not Opposed to Reverence
Some equate reverence with quietness, stillness, or a somber expression. But Scripture never makes joy the opposite of reverence. When David finally brought the ark to Jerusalem properly, the procession was filled with rejoicing, music, sacrifice, and heartfelt celebration (2 Samuel 6:12–15).
Their joy did not diminish reverence — it expressed it.
Joy can be reverent. Gratitude can be reverent. Passion can be reverent. Reverence is not about suppressing emotion; it is about directing emotion toward God in a way that honors Him.
Joy without obedience is empty (Matthew 7:21). Obedience without joy is lifeless. Reverence brings both together — hearts that submit to God sincerely and delight in Him deeply (Psalm 100:2).
Cultivating Awe in Everyday Life
Reverence grows where intentional reflection grows. It requires us to slow down long enough to remember who God is and who we are before Him.
God is near. God is holy. God is merciful. God is worthy.
Whether we are worshiping with the congregation, praying alone at night, studying Scripture with our families, or making decisions that shape our daily conduct, reverence reminds us that everything we do happens before the eyes of a holy God (Hebrews 4:13).
Reverence is not fearfulness. Reverence is not distance. Reverence is not coldness. Reverence is a humble and joyful recognition that God is God — and we are His (Isaiah 66:2).
Returning to Awe
Reverence renews our wonder and draws us near to the One worthy of our devotion. A consuming fire is not something we approach casually (Hebrews 12:28–29). But neither do we run from it. We approach with gratitude, confidence, and humility (Hebrews 10:19–22).
When we rediscover reverence, we rediscover the beauty of walking with a holy God.
