Day 2: Redefining Awesome
Today’s Reading: Psalm 68
Welcome to Day 2 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2023. This is Week 1, Walking in the Fear of the Lord.
The Focus: “Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are AWESOME in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God!” (Psalm 68:34,35)
The Meditation: “You, God, are awesome . . . . You give us power and strength.”
A Word Worth Recovering
We use the word awesome for a good meal, a late goal or a new pair of trainers. In the Bible it belongs to God. It describes the One whose presence makes people tremble and sing in the same breath.
Psalm 68 is a song about that God. It opens with a prayer that He would rise up and scatter His enemies (Psalm 68:1), and it closes with the whole congregation praising Him (Psalm 68:35).
Great Enough to Rule, Near Enough to Care
David tells us that God rides on the clouds (Psalm 68:4). The next thing he says is that this same God is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows, and that He sets the lonely in families (Psalm 68:5–6). His greatness does not keep Him far away. He uses it to lift up people nobody else has noticed.
Day after day He carries our burdens (Psalm 68:19). The One who shook Mount Sinai is the One who shoulders your load this morning.
Power Shared
The psalm ends with a surprise. The God who is awesome in His sanctuary gives power and strength to His people (Psalm 68:35). He does not keep His strength to Himself.
This is where the fear of the Lord begins. It is not terror that drives us away. It is reverence that draws us near, because the One we honour most is also the One who loves us best.
Pray It Through
Worship first. Before you ask for anything today, tell God who He is. Use the words of Psalm 68 if you cannot find your own.
Hand over a burden. What are you carrying that He has offered to carry? Give it to Him by name.
Ask for strength. Where do you feel weak? Ask the God of Psalm 68:35 for His power and strength.
Prayer for Today
Lord God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary. Forgive me for the times I have treated You as small. Thank You that You care for the lonely and carry my burdens every day. Give me Your power and strength for what lies ahead, and let my life bring You praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Listen and Watch
Pastor Ras shares a short message for Day 2 in the audio and video below.
Keep going
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