CCC 28-4_LR

INNOVATIVE THOUGHT & PRACTICE

Joshua Knabb, Psy.D., ABPP BIG GOD, SMALL SELF: Worship and Awe in Christian Mental Health

i I can still vividly remember the panoramic landscape. I traveled with family and friends up a mountain—some may call it a hill—which included a large, protrud ing, historic white cross at the top and a 360-degree, far-reaching view of the surrounding cities. 2 As we rested at the base of this enormous landmark, which majesti cally and effortlessly stretched toward heaven, I looked toward the horizon that enveloped us. I used my God given senses to immerse myself in God’s beautiful cre ation, with a deep experience of His presence, goodness, and vastness. In this moment, I felt small, in a good way.

“God made us to worship. That is why we were created.” 1 — A.W. Tozer

I was able to let go of the mental agitation, stress, and other unpleasant inner experiences I so often struggle with when I turn inward, become unnecessarily self-fo cused, and ineffectively ruminate and worry about the pressures of the day. In this instance, it was God and me. He was big, and good, and wise, and powerful, and holy, and the Creator, and I was little and the created. I did not need to protect myself, inflate myself, compulsively try to change myself, be the center of attention, or compete for others’ praise. I could let go and feel overwhelmed in reverential worship and awe before God.

14 Christian Counseling Connection