Understanding God’s Greatness in Everyday Terms
Introduction: Facing God’s Greatness
What does it mean to stand before God? For many, the thought brings a mix of emotions—fear, curiosity, and a longing to understand. When we talk about “standing before God,” we’re not just referring to a moment, a place, or a ritual. It’s about coming face-to-face with the greatness, wisdom, and power of the One who created everything. This encounter isn’t just about trembling in fear; it’s also about recognizing the incredible opportunity to know and be known by the greatest Being imaginable.
The Role of Fear and Reverence
Fear often has a bad reputation. We usually think of it as something negative, but when it comes to God, fear can mean something deeper—a healthy respect and awe in the face of His power. Imagine standing at the edge of a roaring ocean or gazing up at a thunderstorm. There’s a sense of smallness and wonder. That’s the kind of fear the Bible talks about—not panic, but a deep respect that makes us want to know God more. Wise people respond to God’s greatness with humility, recognizing that we’re not in control, and feeling grateful for the chance to learn from Him.
Missing the Connection: Fear vs. Indifference
Not everyone responds to God’s greatness the same way. Some let fear push them away, feeling overwhelmed or unworthy. Others might feel indifferent—maybe God seems distant or irrelevant. But both responses miss the point. Fear that keeps us away forgets that God invites us to draw near, and indifference overlooks the wonder of who God is. The wisest approach is to let our sense of awe and respect become a bridge, not a barrier.
Transforming Fear into Closeness
Here’s the surprising part: the more we appreciate God’s power, the less we need to be afraid of Him in the wrong way. Instead, our fear transforms into closeness. It’s like realizing that the awe-inspiring ocean isn’t just powerful—it’s beautiful and inviting. When we see God’s greatness rightly, our respect for Him draws us closer, inspiring us to ask questions, seek understanding, and trust Him more deeply.
Forming a Right Idea of God’s Greatness
How can we develop a right idea of God’s greatness? The Bible gives us two helpful steps:
1. Remove limitations from our thoughts of God. We often imagine God as a bigger version of ourselves, but He’s not limited by time, space, or knowledge. God isn’t bound by anything—we need to stretch our minds beyond what’s comfortable and familiar.
2. Compare God to powers we consider great. Think about the most powerful forces you know—thunder, wind, oceans, or even human achievements. Then realize that God is greater than all of these combined. His wisdom, strength, and presence go far beyond anything we’ve ever seen.
Biblical Illustrations: Psalm 139 and Job
Psalm 139 paints a beautiful picture of God’s unlimited presence and knowledge. The writer marvels that wherever he goes—whether to the heights of heaven or the depths of the sea—God is there. God knows our thoughts before we think them and our words before we speak. There’s nowhere we can hide from Him, and yet He loves us deeply.
In Job 38–41, God Himself describes His power and wisdom. He asks Job questions about the creation of the world, the boundaries of the oceans, and the secrets of the stars. God talks about controlling the weather, caring for wild animals, and managing the forces of nature. These chapters remind us that God’s greatness is beyond anything we can truly grasp, but they also show that He cares for the details of our lives.
Conclusion: Living in Awe and Closeness
Standing before God means recognizing His greatness, responding with wisdom and respect, and letting our awe draw us closer rather than push us away. When we appreciate God’s unlimited power and presence, fear becomes not an obstacle, but a doorway to relationship. By removing our limits and seeing God’s greatness in the world around us, we can live with deeper reverence and a stronger desire to know Him. In the end, it’s our humility and awe that build the bridge between us and the God who is both mighty and near.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 