“It is the Lord of hosts whom you are to regard as holy and awesome. He shall be your [source of] fear, He shall be your [source of] dread [not man]. Then He shall be a sanctuary [a sacred, indestructible shelter for those who fear and trust Him]…”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8:13-14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When we “regard” something – we give it special attention or focused thought. A word originating from Old French regarder ‘to watch’, and from re- ‘back’ (also expressing intensive force) + garder ‘to guard’, it indicates – by definition – that the object of one’s regard is something of high esteem or great value. We don’t regard our enemies – we regard someone or something esteem or give value to. 

There are a few people in my life I hold in high regard – my husband, my children, my parents, my mentors and spiritual parents. I guard my thoughts about them. I think of them often when I make decisions or plans. But even they – as much a I love and value them – are not worthy of my highest regard. 

There is only One who is holy –  G-d. His holiness is the central truth in worship. His holiness is the plumb line by which all things should be measured.

In the Hebrew, two different words are used for “source of fear” and “source of dread”:

Source of fear: môrā’ – object of reverence

Source of dread: ʿāraṣ- inspire with awe: he shall be your awe-inspirer.

He shall be my awe-inspirer. Such a powerful image. 

Here’s the thing. We are made for community. We are desperate to belong. Our society is DESPERATE for meaning and belonging. So many are looking for a deeper meaning in life – something to help them “evolve and change” into a better person. Thousands of self help books litter the shelves and self discovery is a hot topic at every corporation. You, me, our children, our friends – everyone we know are all seeking something or someone greater than themselves – something to hold onto, something to behold, something to worship, something to regard, and something to inspire. 

Adonai  – the Lord- the One True G-d is the only One who is holy and awesome. He is the One to be held in the highest regard above all things and all people – especially above myself. Adonai – the Awe-Inspirer. It’s a name I can get behind. It’s a description that resonates within me. 

Thinking about Him should move me to awe and worship. He is altogether holy and good. There is none beside Him. None that can compare. He is awesome and He is kind. He is true and He is just. And He loves me. It’s pretty awe-inspiring to be loved that way. 

Father – thank You for how You love me. Thank You for Your compassion and mercy. Thank You for Your truth. Capture my heart a new today. Be my awe-inspirer. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: Isaiah 5-8

July 10, 2022