I asked Jo (my wife): “What is this week’s sermon about?” She said, “Awe.” I said this is Tripp’s opening statement:

It is dangerous to live without my heart being captured by awe of God, because awe of God is quickly replaced by awe of me.

I could write the whole devotion here but I’m not going to. Instead, I want to write and comment on the part which stuck out to me.

“I was created to live in a real, heart-gripping, agenda-setting, behavior-forming awe of God. But other awes kidnap my heart…shove the awe of God out of my heart. So I need grace to see again, to tremble again, and to bow down again at the feet of the One who deserves my awe.”

I must admit I’m one of those fickle creatures who struggles with awe. I don’t want to but I do allow creation, people, events, and even myself to move (okay shove) the awe of God out of my heart. Much like the Israelites who made promises but failed to keep them, I’m guilty. Being in God’s presence was so important, God carefully gave Moses instructions to give to the people while he was on the mountain receiving the Law. (“Don’t come near the mountain.” “Don’t touch the mountain.” etc) He has given me instructions as well: “You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.”

“May I, Father, do just that. Give me a sense of awe and make no substitutions.”