Understanding the depth and expanse of the Lord’s mercy is absolutely necessary for us as fatally flawed human beings. His tenderness in restoring me and raising to life all of the places in me that had died from disease and deception – that quiet, constant grace has become such a needed resting place for my heart in the last few months. What I never expected to be THANKFUL for, however, is his absolute fierceness. I accepted the idea of a powerful, fearsome God only when it meant that he was pummeling my enemies and protecting me – otherwise, I generally rejected thoughts of anything other than an adoring, gracious, eternally patient Bridegroom and Father.
I’m not even going to begin to claim that I have a clear understanding of the character of the Lord, but in seeking a more balanced and scripturally accurate view of him I’m surprised at how glad I am that my God does not always come as a gentle breeze rustling the fragile autumn leaves. I’m glad he’s an all-consuming fire. I’m glad that he is someone to be feared. I’m glad that he is full of righteousness and that because of his very nature, if it were not for his abundant love and mercy we would all be struck dead. I really love that my Redeemer is entirely holy and powerful and majestic and not at all passive.
It is because he is so passionately and absolutely committed to righteousness that he provided a way for us to take on his righteousness. If he were not so, there would be no opportunity for us to “worship him in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2) – no escape from our depravity into a realm where we are free to be beautiful in purity as we were created to be. His anger against disobedience and pride and apathy and hate and wickedness are not indicators that he’s too demanding and violent to be a good God – he sees those things and knows that only when they are destroyed and divinely wrenched out of our souls can anything good exist. He IS a good God because he refuses to simply turn away from the evil in the world and in us. He loves his people too much NOT to hate unrighteousness and injustice, NOT to be committed to purity and holiness.
God, help me understand what it truly means to have a reverent, worshipful fear of you that is both fueled by and necessary for my love for you.
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