Psalm 99

The Lord is Holy! That is the theme of this psalm. We see it proclaimed 3 times: at the end of verses 3, 5, and 9. Does that mean something to you? We hear the term “holy” often enough going to worship, or as a student of the Bible. And it ought to move us in a profound way. Unfortunately, I don’t think it does—at least not to the degree it ought to. And the reasons are plentiful.

One, our world doesn’t treat God with much respect. His name is trampled in everyday conversation, reduced to a common curse word. Two, it is shrouded in mystery. That is not a bad thing. The holiness of God will always be shrouded in mystery to some degree simply because it is unfathomable. But that doesn’t mean we should just ignore it. I think that’s what often happens.

But if we’re willing to pry into this mystery, we will find it is both terrifying and wonderful all at the same time. God’s holiness moves us to trembling exaltation. In fact, that is good litmus test to know whether or not you have met with the Lord. Do you tremble when you consider his presence? Do you exalt him when you find his favor?

When I look around at the state of the many who consider themselves Christians, I suspect there is little trembling and exalting going on. Why do I say that? Because people like to maintain a casual relationship with God. You cannot have a casual relationship with a God who is holy.

What does it mean to be holy? Holy is a hard word to define. When a thing is holy, it is set apart to God. When referring to God, it means wholly other. So, what does it mean to enter the presence of the Holy God? Trembling exaltation.