The Awe of God: How to Approach Him with Listening, Obedience & Wonder
There is something sacred about how we approach God.
Just like how our posture, tone, and presence shape the way we relate to people, the way we come before God shapes the intimacy, clarity, and peace we experience with Him.
Solomon—son of David, known for his wisdom—spent the book of Ecclesiastes wrestling with life’s meaning. After exploring everything life could offer, he brought it all down to one truth:
“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13
Awe. Reverence. Wonder.
This is the foundation of a meaningful life.
But how do we actually approach God in a way that draws us closer instead of making Him feel distant? Solomon gives us three habits—three postures of the heart—that can realign us with the God who meets us where we are.
1. Listening: Slowing Down to Hear His Voice
Many of us long to hear from God… yet struggle to slow down enough to notice when He speaks.
Life moves fast.
Our minds move faster.
And sometimes, the whisper of God gets drowned out by the noise of urgency, deadlines, and distractions.
Solomon’s reminder in Ecclesiastes 5:1 is clear:
“Draw near to listen…”
God is speaking—through His Word, His Spirit, His people, moments of conviction, even moments of silence.
But listening requires pause, presence, and stillness.
Reflection:
Lord, how can I pause more often so I can truly hear You? What noise needs to quiet so Your voice can rise?
2. Obeying: Responding When God Speaks
Hearing God is only the first step.
Responding is what transforms us.
Solomon warns about making vows lightly or putting off obedience.
Because delayed obedience isn’t really obedience—it’s avoidance dressed up as good intentions.
When God nudges your heart…
When He convicts…
When He gives direction…
Your response matters.
Obedience deepens closeness.
Obedience strengthens clarity.
Obedience keeps God’s voice fresh in your spirit.
When we hesitate too long, His voice grows faint—not because He’s distant, but because we wander.
Reflection:
Lord, give me the courage to respond quickly when You speak. Help me follow even when I don’t fully understand.
3. Wondering: Living in Awe of Who God Is
Solomon ends his book with a call to “fear God”—not a fear of punishment, but a holy reverence overflowing with awe.
To “fear God” means:
✨ to honor Him
✨ to trust Him
✨ to acknowledge His greatness
✨ to submit to His leadership
✨ to be astonished by His goodness
Wonder keeps our hearts soft.
Awe keeps our faith alive.
Reverence keeps us grounded in truth.
When we lose our wonder, we lose our worship.
God is not a lucky charm we tuck away until we need Him.
He is Lord. He is Creator. He is the One who breathes meaning into our days and purpose into our lives.
Final Thoughts: Awe Leads to Intimacy
The awe of God is not meant to distance us from Him—but to draw us close.
Listening tunes our ears.
Obeying aligns our hearts.
Wondering expands our worship.
And when we combine these habits, we begin to feel the nearness of a God who has always been close…
waiting for us to approach Him with reverence, expectancy, and love.