Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Psalm 76:7 – “It is You alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before You when You are angry?”

Psalm 75:1 – “We praise You, God, we praise You, for Your Name is near; people tell of Your wonderful deeds.”

These two Psalms hold a tension that we sometimes forget in modern faith: God is both close and holy, just and merciful, near and awesome.

Psalm 75 begins with praise, not because life is easy, but because “Your Name is near.” Even in seasons of waiting or uncertainty, God’s presence is a reason to worship. His nearness isn’t based on how we feel but on who He is. When we remember that, our hearts should shift from panic to praise.

Psalm 76, on the other hand, confronts us with the fear of the Lord, not fear as in terror, but reverent awe. “Who can stand before You?” the psalmist asks. This is a holy God who crushes the weapons of war, silences the arrogant, and defends the oppressed. And yet, He invites us to know Him.

That’s the beauty of worship: standing in awe of a God who could wipe out nations… and yet chose to send His Son to redeem us. You and me. 

We love to celebrate God’s goodness and rightly so. But passages like these remind us not to lose our sense of reverence in the middle of comfort. God isn’t just our Helper or Healer; He is the King. He rules. He judges. He defends. And He is worthy of our awe and surrender. 

I encourage you to join me today in slowing down and taking a moment to not only talk to God, but to cherish His holiness. Sit in silence. Let your heart be humbled. Let your worship be more than a song, let it be surrender.

Prayer: Lord, help me not to take Your presence lightly. You are holy, powerful, and near. Teach me to fear You in a way that leads to deeper worship, and to live today with humility, trust, and awe. 

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

FALL AT VENTURE

KXP, MVMNT, The Gathering, House Church, and Care Groups are all starting back this fall! You can check the Fall at Venture webpage for launch dates and events happening this fall at Venture.