In the Jewish tradition the holidays opening the New Year (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) were known as “Days of Awe.” They were days filled with God’s people remembering all that God had done for them.
They remembered with awe the God of creation. They believed that creation itself occurred on Rosh Hashanah. We must remember that God is not just the God of creation but He is also the King of creation, the Ruler of Mankind. As we begin this New Year, we must remember who He is with awe! He’s LORD, Ruler, Master, and our Savior.
They remembered with awe the giving of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 19:13–20 is awe inspiring. They believed that this event happened on Rosh Hashanah. Can you look back at 2011 and see what God brought into your life? Can you remember how He worked in your life? Can you sit back and worship Him for all He did for you? Can you look back and, with awe-filled remembrance see how much He loves you and how He kept the promises from His Word?
They remembered with awe the sovereignty, majesty and worth of God. Psalms 93–100 are believed to have been written for the Feast of Trumpets. Take some time as this New Year unfolds to read those Psalms and see how they are filled with the sovereignty, majesty and worth of God. Make a list of what you find in those Psalms about God. Keep it close so when the enemy of this world whispers negative thoughts in your ear, you can easily remember who God is and how He has defeated the enemy.
It is my sincere prayer that this New Year be a time of awe-filled remembrance of the God of Creation, the King of Creation, the Ruler of Mankind, the Giver of Commandments, and the Sovereign, Majestic, Worthy God. It should be a time to remember, with awe, who He is and what He has done for us!
What did God do for you in 2014? What can you look back upon and remember, with awe, that He and only He could do or change in your life?
