Psalm 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

In seeking the Lord this morning I come to a place of casual acquaintance, an expectation of performance based on past experience. I am led here and reminded that reverence is required in His presence.

This is a season of expectation for both adults and children. Memories hold hope for yet another successful season of joy and sharing. In doing that I sense within myself a less than reverent mindfulness.

We see postings which say that Jesus is the reason for the season with colorful Christmas colors and assorted accoutrements. We want to be in a festive mood and enjoy the company of loved ones as is our traditions. Is that the picture of reverence?

We just passed thru the thanksgiving season that was overshadowed by advertisements for Black Friday’s sales. Watching people participating in those sales makes me wonder where the reverence went?

The first use of reverence in the bible is the Hebrew word yare’ and means fear as in fearing for one’s own life. We don’t use it that way, we don’t treat it that way and we sure don’t act that way.

I was a soldier in Vietnam and there was great fear in the reality that I could step on an IED at any time. Being aware of that, knowing the real danger, I made sure of every step I took.

Being in the presence of God should take on that same reverence and caution in every step we take. We should be taking care to listen closely and understand precisely in order to step where He has shown us to step in safety.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

With reverence.

Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

“Let us talk about the elephant in the room.”

There are times when we need to express our feelings about things which we feel compelled to clarify our position. I picked this verse from scripture because it expresses Joseph’s concerns in ways that might have been very private and his emotions alone.

Nothing is said here about the “just” man seeking God’s will in this monumental moment in his young wife’s life. He knew her, he loved her and yet he wasn’t at this moment willing to marry her. He was seeking a solution within his own control.

In this I can relate to raw human emotions because I have been there myself. Why I didn’t seek God in those moments was a matter of doubt in God’s ability to understand how I was feeling. Call it unbelief if you must but don’t we all want to talk to someone who understands?

God’s perfect love has always been demonstrated to me with mercy and compassion. He has never shown me a moment of doubt and strong human emotions tend to cause doubt in myself. How can He understand?

That is why I have fellowship with an accountability partner who has the experience to understand how I feel. He has been there before and can share in my doubts and fears. With him it is okay to be human.

While I am making this personal, can you think of a time when you can relate to what I am saying? Do you have a trusted friend who you know has your best interest at heart?

At that moment in Joseph’s life I doubt seriously that he had anyone to talk to because while he was trying to sort it all out God sent an angel to talk to him.