Titus 2

Walking in reverence is purposing to live in the constant knowledge that God is, and that He sees and governs all. This radically changes the way we live each of our moments. But for those of us who have believed in Jesus for salvation, this life of reverence takes on even more meaning.

Somehow, mingled with the ever-deepening awe we experience as we come to understand just how holy God is, there is also an ever-deepening love for Him. See, we first realize that He is fearfully awesome — a consuming fire, a holy Judge, a blindingly pure light — and then it dawns on us that this uncreated Being, who was and is and is to come, has set His love upon us. The God who is nothing but goodness has made us the beneficiaries of His goodness.

Amazing.

And so, living in this reverence mingled with love produces two results in our lives.

The first is that, not only do we walk more carefully because we fear God (which we should!), we also walk carefully because we love Him! It’s not just the fear of judgment that keeps us seeking His ways; it’s the burning desire to see Him smile and say, “Well done!” The knowledge of how much He hates sin certainly puts the fear of God in me, as the saying goes, but there is more than that: I don’t want to stop at forsaking sin, I want to run ahead and embrace His perfect will!

The knowledge that the Holy God loves me also helps me to understand that His ways are for my own good, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. When I choose His way, really, I’m choosing life.

And so walking in holiness becomes this life-filled walk that is so much more than just fearing a Holy Judge, but pursuit of His pleasure — the smile that has become my soul’s sunshine.

The second result this mysterious mingling produces is a faith-filled response to life. See, in this world we will have trials and tribulations, hardship and heartache. This isn’t a “bubble” gospel we have received. But if we have embraced a constant reverence for a holy, powerful God, our response to the curve balls sent our way will set us apart as women of faith. The waters may overwhelm us, but our feet will find that beneath them is a Rock that is unmoving, and in our hearts we can experience peace that passes our understanding — peace that doesn’t even make sense.

In my sister Brietta’s words:

Many of you know that seven months ago, my youngest was born with CHD (congenital heart disease). Hers is not a mild situation, either: the chambers of her heart are reversed, one of the main arteries (aorta) is connected to both ventricles, and there is a size-able hole in her heart that will not heal on its own because her constant blood flow keeps it open. We didn’t know before Aubrey’s birth that there was anything wrong with her heart. That day in September was a shock, as were the subsequent days as we learned through pediatric cardiologists what was the matter with her.

He is God and I am not. The sooner I fall in worship before an Almighty Creator and Sustainer, the sooner I am brought to a place of rest, peace, hope, and confidence. When I reverence Him as the holy, all-knowing, author and finisher that He is, the circumstances and challenges of this life are put into proper perspective. He is good. He is above all. He is working things out so that a people are built for Himself.

So today, allow me to challenge you to choose reverence. As decisions come, purpose to please the One who is watching — and who delights in your obedience. And as the winds of life blow, respond as one who knows the end already: He wins, and we reign with Him.