Awe - One Good Word a Day

Awe

Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him.

MY SISTER BATTLED breast cancer for five years. During that time, she would have seasons of good health and then bouts of cancer that would come back for her to fight once more. During one particular round of cancer and treatment, she was so sick she had to spend several days in the hospital as they tried to manage her pain and come up with a plan for what to do next. The doctor came in after several different tests had been run to see if and where the cancer had spread.

The news wasn’t good. He carefully explained how the cancer had once again spread and treatment would be necessary. She listened to his words, taking them all in and nodding at his explanation of what would need to happen next.

When the doctor finished, the room fell silent for a moment as my family members sat quietly, stunned. And then in response my sister closed her eyes, raised her hands slightly, and began to tell Jesus how much she loved him. She praised him for who he was and for how he had showed up in her life. She was simply in awe of him, and it overwhelmed her at the moment when she was surrounded by nothing but discouraging news.

And although my sister certainly had moments and valleys of doubt and sadness during her journey with cancer, I now remember just as often the moments of joy and of faith that she displayed during those years. And I’m challenged by her ability to praise him, even in the bad news.

It’s easy to praise God when the news is good, but how about when the news is not so good, even bad? Can we still praise him? Stand in awe of him? It’s not always easy, but no matter what we are going through, we can be sure that God is still sovereign, still good, and still in control. And when we remember that, we can stand in awe of who he is, even when the future is unsure.

Lord, you know what we are struggling through right now. Please help us to remember your sovereignty no matter what we’re facing and give us the ability to still stand in awe of you today. Amen.

-Kendra

One Good Step: Think of three ways you are in awe of God today.