The Rationale for Reverence in Worship

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, July 4, 2023
But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.
Habakkuk 2:20 (NKJV)

I grew up in a multi-cultural society. At a tender age, I became aware of various religions and some of their beliefs and practices. Often, I would get curious and watch people entering their places of worship. In fact, I remember entering and watching people pray in a non-Christian worship place. One thing stood out. The reverential silence in the temple.

In Awe of God’s Holiness

Worshippers would approach the entrance with respect and humility, remove their shoes, and then enter the sanctuary. Religious leaders did most of the talking while the celebrants uttered words in chorus at regular intervals of when asked to. It was evident that whomever the people worshipped inside the temple did not like noise and unnecessary movement.

Our church had similar practices, albeit with a measure of excitement and joy. My mother taught us to keep quiet and still while in church. She emphasized that God and His angels were present in every worship session (including family worship) hence the need to behave reverently.

Let All the Earth Keep Silence Before Him

My mother’s beliefs emanated from several scriptures, chief among them being Habakkuk 2:20, which states, “But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Unlike idols fashioned by human hands, the Almighty God is the Creator who deserves the respect and adoration of all created beings.

According to Benson Commentary, “The consideration of His infinite perfections, His self-existence, independence, supremacy, immensity, eternity; His omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence; His unspotted holiness, His inviolable truth, and impartial justice; and especially His sovereign authority and dominion, should strike all men with a reverential awe, and should dispose them to the most perfect submission toward Him.”

The Rationale for Reverence in Worship

What is your attitude when you are worshipping, whether in church or another place? Do you keep silent, both literally and figuratively? Is your mind focused on God, reverently waiting to hear His voice? Do you shun distractions and negative thoughts and meditate on God’s word?

How differently would you behave in worship if you truly believed that God is right there with you? Would chat on social media while the preacher is delivering the sermon? Would you engage in small chat and make unnecessary and distractive movements during church services? Remember, “the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

Prayer
Dear God, because You are in Your holy temple and I am in Your presence, teach me to keep quiet by surrendering my thoughts, words and action.