For Reading and Meditation:
Psalm 99:1-9
"No one can know the true grace of God," said the great Bible teacher A. W. Tozer, "who has not first known the fear of God." He continued: "Always there was about any manifestation of God something that dismayed the onlookers, that daunted and overawed them – I do not believe any lasting good can come from religious activities that are not rooted in this fear. Until we have been gripped by that nameless terror which results when an unholy creature is suddenly confronted by the One who is holiest of all, we are not likely to be affected by the doctrine of love and grace." There was a time when the nature and character of God was a constant theme in Christian pulpits, but not any more. Generally speaking, today's preachers (and writers) tend to give people what they want rather than what they need. This is why we must stop every time we come across a reference to God's character in our Bibles and pause to consider it. No one has done anything mighty for God without a new vision of God's holiness. Ezekiel tells us of the "rims" in his vision that were so high (Ezekiel 1:18) they were "awesome," and Jacob, rising from his sleep, said: "How awesome is this place!" (Genesis 28:17). We will be of little use to God unless we know how to tremble before Him, for otherwise our own ideas and feelings of self-sufficiency will soon take over. Have we lost the sense of awe when we come into God's presence which seemed to characterise the saints of the past? I am afraid we have.
O God, I am afraid as I draw near to You, but I draw near because I am afraid. Nothing or no one can dissolve the fears that hinder me but You. Draw me closer, for in You and You alone lies both my salvation and sanctification. Amen.