When God Fills Us with Joy and Awe

When God fills us with joy and awe, we experience His love, power, and presence in ways that humble us and strengthen our faith.

“Then fire went out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the portions of fat on the altar; and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell face downward.”—Leviticus 9:24 NASB

The Israelites made offerings according to God’s directions and, Moses reminded them, if they obeyed God, His glory would appear.

Then “Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them.” And Moses and Aaron “went into the tent of meeting. When they came out and blessed the people, the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people” and “consumed the burnt offering” (vs. 22–24).

The people reacted with both joy and awe. They were overwhelmed and shouted with joy because they saw that God was real—He was with them and they could be secure and confident.

But they also “fell face downward” (v. 24). What they had seen was awesome! They had encountered the living God and seen His frightening power. It was a humbling moment.

Few people in our materialistic culture have such experiences with God. Many take Him for granted or don’t understand His nature. Many ignore His greatness and fail to appreciate what it means to be in His Presence. Many forget His fire and His awesome, miracle-working power.

But God is the same today as He was then. His love is just as great and His power is just as awe-inspiring. He’s still ready to reward those who obey Him, keep His commandments, and walk in an intimate covenant relationship with Him.

Humble yourself before God. Seek Him, and let Him fill you with joy and awe.

Reflection Question: How can you seek God’s presence in a way that stirs both joy and awe?