Psalms 89:11
The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.
This verse ties reverence to communal worship. “In the assembly of the saints” highlights that God’s majesty is publicly acknowledged within the gathered community, not only in private devotion. Fear of the Lord here signifies reverent awe joined with trust and obedience. The phrase “to be had in reverence of all them that are about him” expands the circle: those near God—priests, leaders, fellow worshipers—are not to treat him casually. The verse reflects a theme common in Psalms: true worship is communal and rightly ordered when God is revered above all else. It also signals accountability: when the people gather, their fear of the Lord should shape their decisions, speech, and behavior. The broader context of Psalm 89’s covenant faithfulness invites the reader to see reverence as a response to God’s steadfast love and kingly reign, shaping how the community relates to each other and to God.
Theologically, the verse anchors piety in communal life. Fear of the Lord is not mere private emotion but public fidelity—trust expressed in ethical living, mutual care, and obedience. The “assembly” functions as a spiritual classroom where God’s character is witnessed by others. It also underscores interdependence within the community: reverence is contagious and forms a shared framework for justice, mercy, and worship. The verse thus contributes to biblical anthropology: humans are beings-in-relation, morally shaped by the presence of a holy God. It warns against diminished reverence in public worship or splintered devotion in private life. In essence, the verse celebrates a holistic devotion that aligns private heart and public life under God’s lordship.
Apply this by cultivating reverence in worship settings: prepare your heart before service, maintain attentiveness during liturgy, and participate with humility. Challenge casual attitudes in church life—gossip, distraction, or self-centered agendas undermine the sense of awe. In leadership, model reverence for God in decisions and treat others with respect, recognizing they also bear God’s image. In small groups or communities, foster spaces where questions about God’s glory are welcomed, and where people encourage one another to live in light of God’s holiness. Practically, you can pause before speaking in meetings to ask, “Are my thoughts and words reflecting reverence for God?” Let the fear of the Lord shape how you treat coworkers, family, and neighbors, guiding actions toward justice, mercy, and generosity.
Cross-References: Psalm 5:7; Psalm 96:9; Isaiah 8:13; Acts 9:31; Hebrews 12:28-29