How should Psalm 68:35 influence our worship and reverence towards God? Setting the Verse in Focus “O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!” (Psalm 68:35) What “Awesome in Your Sanctuary” Reveals • “Awesome” speaks of unmatchable majesty—God inspires holy fear, not casual familiarity (Exodus 15:11). • “Sanctuary” points to His chosen meeting place: first the tabernacle, then the temple, and now, through Christ, the gathered church and each believer’s body (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). • The verse affirms that God’s presence defines, fills, and consecrates worship spaces; they do not make Him holy—He makes them holy. Strength and Power From God to His People • Strength (inner fortitude) and power (outward enablement) flow directly from Him (Isaiah 40:29–31). • Receiving God’s strength is inseparable from recognizing His awesome character; worship and empowerment rise together (Nehemiah 8:10). • The more we honor His holiness, the more we experience His help (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). Implications for Worship and Reverence • Approach gatherings with expectancy: God Himself is present, not merely an idea about Him. • Treat worship moments as weighty—phones silenced, hearts quieted, minds engaged (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2). • Celebrate His power with confidence: sing, testify, pray boldly because the One who strengthens Israel strengthens us (Ephesians 3:20–21). • Balance joy and awe: exuberant praise should never drift into irreverence (Hebrews 12:28–29). Practical Ways to Live It Out 1. Prepare before corporate worship—pray, confess, read Scripture so you walk into the sanctuary already centered on His greatness. 2. Use posture intentionally: kneel, lift hands, bow—physical responses reinforce inner reverence (Psalm 95:6). 3. Speak of God’s power throughout the week; share answered prayers and Scripture promises with family or friends (Psalm 71:17–18). 4. Lean on His strength in trials—quote Psalm 68:35 aloud, reminding yourself that the God you worship is the One who empowers you daily (Philippians 4:13). 5. End every worship time with gratitude: “Blessed be God!”—verbal praise seals the truth in our hearts. Scriptures That Echo the Theme • 1 Chronicles 29:11–12—“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness… in Your hand are power and might.” • Psalm 29:2—“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.” • Isaiah 6:1–5—Isaiah’s vision underscores trembling adoration before the Holy One. • Revelation 4:8–11—Heaven’s ceaseless worship models unending awe and honor. When Psalm 68:35 shapes our thinking, worship becomes the joyful intersection of reverence and reliance—standing in awe of the God who dwells among us and empowers us for every good work. |
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