The Splendor of Holiness

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness” (Psalms 29:2 ESV).

I am continually amazed at the beauty of creation. No two sunsets or sunrises are the same. The seasons present each with their own beauty. The stars and planets, black holes and galaxies are magnificent in allure and scope. The feelings I get when I look at the splendor of creation are full of awe.

But creation really has very little to offer. That is, in comparison to it’s Creator.

When we come to faith… when we find the meaning of grace in the midst of our sinfulness… when we catch a glimpse of God’s holiness… we are changed! We can no longer tolerate things in our lives that rise up in defiance of God’s call to holiness while pretentiously kneeling before our Savior.

I stand in awe of God’s creation. But I fall on my knees before my Savior.

I marvel at the accomplishments of mankind. But I am humbled by all that God has done for me.

I am continually amazed by the daily grace showered on my life. But I am broken by my sinfulness before a holy God.

The Psalmist calls us to “worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” I read this two ways. First, the holiness of God is greater than we could even imagine. The grand finale of the greatest Fourth of July fireworks display couldn’t scratch the surface of the glory and splendor of God’s holiness. We should worship him with an eye toward His holiness. By that I mean that His holiness, apart from anything He has ever done, is reason to worship! We worship Him for who He is, and He is holy!

Second, we worship him by our becoming holy! True, we will never achieve perfection in our earthly walk. But in yielding to the Holy Spirit, walking in faith, growing toward holiness, we are worshiping.

As you go through this week, mindfully consider the holiness of God. Ask Him to give you a glimpse into His holiness. And allow Him to guide you by the Holy Spirit’s conviction and direction. Blessings on your week!