Living in Awe: How Reverence for God Shapes Everyday Life
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about awe — that deep, quiet reverence that stops you in your tracks. The kind of awe that makes you pause, look up at the sky, and feel small but not insignificant.
We often associate awe with big moments — watching a sunrise, holding a newborn, or standing in a cathedral. But the truth is, awe can transform every corner of your life if we let it.
I recently revisited Awe of God by John Bevere, and it reminded me that awe isn’t just a feeling. It’s a posture — a way of living that reshapes our choices, our mindset, and even our habits. Bevere writes about how true awe of God leads to obedience, reverence, and a life marked by intentionality. It’s not about fear; it’s about recognizing God’s greatness and letting it influence the way we act every day.
Awe Shapes How You See the World
When awe becomes part of your daily life, everything changes:
Your perspective shifts. Challenges feel smaller, blessings feel bigger. You notice beauty where you used to see monotony.
You respond differently. Awe reminds us that we are part of a bigger story. It encourages humility and patience.
You prioritize better. When you see God at work in every detail, trivial distractions lose their grip.
As Bevere emphasizes, awe helps us live in a way that honors God in both the big and small moments.
Awe and Daily Decisions
Here’s something I’ve noticed about living in awe: it affects the little choices just as much as the big ones.
How you speak to others. Reverence encourages gentleness. You pause before reacting.
Where you spend your time. You naturally gravitate toward what nourishes your soul, rather than just what entertains or distracts.
How you handle setbacks. Awe creates space between stimulus and response. You can reflect before acting.
Even small acts — slowing down to savor a meal, reading scripture without rushing, noticing the light on your walls — become sacred when viewed through the lens of awe.
Awe and Gratitude
Awe and gratitude are inseparable. When you see God’s hand in everyday life:
You start noticing things you might have overlooked.
You begin journaling small blessings.
You pray not only for requests but to thank God for what is already present.
As Bevere writes, awe leads naturally to worship and thankfulness. When we truly see God’s greatness, our hearts respond with gratitude.
How to Cultivate Awe Daily
Inspired by Awe of God, here are some practical ways to keep awe alive:
Start your day noticing creation. Watch the sunrise, feel the breeze, or simply notice the colors around you.
Keep a “God Moments” journal. Record small ways you see God’s hand at work.
Pause before reacting. Give yourself a moment of reverence when you feel frustrated or anxious.
Meditate on scripture with wonder. Instead of rushing through passages, read slowly and reflect on the magnitude of what God is saying.
End your day in reflection. Ask yourself: Where did I see God today? How did awe shape my actions?
Even a few minutes a day can make awe a habit instead of a rare experience.
Journaling Prompts to Reflect on Awe
When was the last time I truly felt awe? What triggered it?
How do I see God working in ordinary moments?
How would my daily choices change if I lived in awe consistently?
What distractions or habits prevent me from noticing God’s presence?
How can I create space for awe tomorrow?
Final Thoughts
Living in awe doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts quietly. In noticing. In reflecting. In small, intentional acts of reverence.
John Bevere reminds us that awe isn’t just a feeling — it’s a lifestyle. A life marked by awe is a life marked by worship, intentionality, and perspective.
So today, pause. Look around. Notice. Feel small, but never insignificant. Let awe guide your steps, and watch how it reshapes everything.