Sometimes we can only describe something by the affect it produces in us. It is where attribute language isn’t enough. In the Bible, God allows this same description to be recorded. Although He makes himself known, God transcend us. Some descriptions, therefore, are so beyond us, that we can only stand in awe, slack-jawed, and wonder. This is why the Bible also describes Him as awesome and wonderful: He is praised for being completely and amazingly beyond.
- God is the great and awesome God (Deut 7:21; 10:17)
- God’s name is awesome (Deut 28:58; Psalm 111:9; Neh 1:5; 9:32) and wonderful (Judges 13:18; Isaiah 9:6
- God is awesome above all things (Ps 89:7; Dan 9:4)
- God is awesome in praises (Exo 15:11) so people stand in awe (Psalm 22:23)
- God’s works are awesome (Psalm 66:3) and wonderful (Jer 2:2; Psalm 145:5; Matt 21:15)
You see how language falters? The only thing you can do is be in awe and worship. This follows New Testament pattern evidenced at the end of Paul’s letters. A pattern of reflecting on the wonder of God and writing a praise and worship to him: “How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love