Stand in Awe of God - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 8
The Crosswalk Devotional
Audio By Carbonatix
By Whitney Hopler, Crosswalk.com
Stand in Awe of God
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” – Psalm 33:8, ESV
Many astronauts who have spent time aboard the International Space Station describe a profound change in perspective when they look down on the earth. Suspended in the vastness of space, they see our planet as a stunning, interconnected home – a place where humanity lives together, sharing the same air, water, and sky. From that vantage point, national borders disappear, conflicts seem small, and the beauty of God’s creation takes center stage. Many astronauts say they wish everyone on Earth could see what they see because it gives them a deep sense of awe for our planet and its Creator.
What they describe is what scientists call the “overview effect.” A shift in focus happens when someone sees the Earth from space. Suddenly, they can see the awe-inspiring beauty of this world God has created. They notice how the vast stretches of land and water are connected—not divided by humans' imposed boundaries. They realize that we are all part of a story greater than any of us. This feeling of awe has led some astronauts to spiritual experiences that have helped them connect with God.
Even though most of us will never travel to space, we don’t have to leave the planet to experience a similar sense of awe. The same God who made the stars and galaxies also designed the intricate details of our daily surroundings. The same Creator who holds the cosmos together is at work in everything from a simple flower to the complexity of our bodies. When we take the time to recognize this, we naturally feel a sense of awe.
Psalm 33:8 encourages everyone on our planet to fear God (which doesn’t mean being afraid of God but having reverence for God) and to stand in awe of him. God has filled this world with glimpses of his glory, from the vast expanse of the night sky to the delicate details of a butterfly’s wings. God invites us to slow down, notice, and be amazed by who he is and what he has made.
Awe is a powerful emotion. It reminds us that we’re small yet deeply loved by a big God infinitely greater than we can understand. When we stand in awe of God, we can notice God’s wonderful presence with us, which shrinks our worries and grows our faith.
We can feel more awe daily. One of the best ways to do so is to step outside and immerse ourselves in God’s creation. Go for a walk at sunrise and watch as the sky is painted in brilliant colors. Stand beneath a towering tree and marvel at how it reaches for the heavens. There are many enjoyable ways to let the natural world awaken our sense of wonder and draw us closer to God, who spoke it all into existence.
Experiencing awe is even better when shared with others. We can go on hikes with friends, stargazing with our family, or take trips to places like parks, highlighting the beauty of God’s creative work. It’s also important to talk together about what moves us. We need to share stories regularly of how God has been at work in our lives – from big, miraculous answers to our prayers to small, quiet times of guidance and encouragement. The more we reflect on God’s wonder and tell others about it, the more we can stand in awe of him.
God is constantly revealing his wonder – through creation, his Word, answered prayers, his love flowing to us through other people’s lives, and much more. Let’s pause, notice, and respond with awe, motivating us to celebrate and worship our wonderful God!
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider standing in awe of God, reflect on these questions:
- When did you last feel a deep sense of awe toward God? What experience led you to feel that?
- How can you intentionally seek experiences that help you recognize God’s wonder around you?
- Who in your life can you invite to join you in experiencing and talking about God’s wonder?
- What stories of God’s wonder have you experienced recently that you can share with others?
- How does standing in awe of God affect your perspective on your life each day?
Further Reading:
Habakkuk 3:2
Proverbs 9:10
Psalm 65:8
Psalm 111:10
Job 37:14
Photo Credit: PonyWang from Getty Images Signature via CanvaPro
Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com and on her Facebook author page.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
