Understanding Reverence, Humility, and Obedience to God’s Word
Let’s talk about what it means to “tremble at God’s word” and why it matters for everyday people like us.
First, trembling at God’s word isn’t about being scared or shrinking away in fear. Instead, it’s about being deeply moved by what God says—feeling genuine respect, awe, and a readiness to do what He asks. It’s a heart attitude that says, “God, what You say matters most, and I want to listen and obey.”
This idea comes from Isaiah 66:2 in the Bible, where God describes the kind of person He pays special attention to: someone who is humble, sorry for their wrongs, and takes His word to heart with seriousness and awe. In simple terms, it’s someone who doesn’t brush off God’s instructions or treat them lightly but instead is eager to hear, learn, and put them into practice.
Key Reasons to Tremble at God’s Word
· Humility and Contrition: Trembling at God’s word means admitting that we don’t have all the answers and we depend on God. It’s about letting go of pride and letting God’s wisdom shape our lives.
· Reverence and Awe: God’s word isn’t just a bunch of old sayings or rules—it’s sacred and powerful. When we “tremble,” we’re recognizing just how weighty and important His words are. They’re not suggestions but the blueprint for true life and blessing.
· Obedience, Even When It’s Hard: Sometimes, what God asks doesn’t make sense to us, or it’s uncomfortable. Trembling at His word means saying “yes” to God right away, trusting that He knows best, even when we don’t see the full picture.
· Transformation: Taking God’s word seriously means we’re open to being changed by it. We let it challenge, comfort, and correct us—letting it guide every part of our lives.
· It’s the Opposite of Arrogance: God doesn’t favor those who are full of themselves or who try to impress others with their own ideas. Instead, He draws near to those who humbly receive and submit to His word, making Him the top priority.
Biblical Background and Comfort
This attitude isn’t just a side note in the Bible—it’s something God promises to notice and honor. In Isaiah’s time, and throughout church history, those who took God seriously often faced mockery or even persecution from people who claimed to serve God but were actually driven by pride and self-interest. Sometimes, the hardest opposition comes from people who think they’re doing the right thing.
But God reassures humble believers: He sees and cares for those who “tremble at His word.” Their faith and obedience aren’t wasted, even when others don’t understand or even push them away. In fact, God promises to bring joy and vindication to those who take Him seriously, while the proud and self-righteous will ultimately be put to shame.
What This Means for Us
So, why should we tremble at God’s word? Because it’s the pathway to God’s favor, comfort, and lasting peace. It means we’re putting ourselves in a place where God promises His presence, protection, and blessing. When we approach God with humble hearts, stand in awe of His word, and obey what He says—even when it’s hard—we find a kind of joy and strength that nothing in this world can match.
In short, to “tremble at His word” is to give God the respect, trust, and response He deserves. It’s a posture of heart that invites His transformation and blessing, guiding us through every season of life—especially when things get tough. And when we do this together, we become a community anchored in God’s truth and filled with unshakable hope.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 