The War Within: Awe of God vs. Awe of Self

The human heart is a battlefield. Every day, a war rages within us—a war between the awe of God and the awe of self. It’s a conflict as old as humanity itself, and it’s one that we often underestimate. But make no mistake, this war shapes our thoughts, our actions, our worship, and ultimately our relationship with God and others.

One of the most striking examples of this battle is found in the account of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. Standing atop his royal palace (a structure of immense scale and design that evoked a sense of awe in and of itself), he declared with pride:

Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30) (emphasis added).

In that moment, Nebuchadnezzar’s awe was misplaced. He stood in awe of himself, his power, his accomplishments, his glory. And in doing so, he tried to rob God of the glory that was rightfully His.

The Insidious Nature of Self-Awe

Before we dismiss Nebuchadnezzar’s arrogance as an ancient king’s folly and outsized pride of almost mythical proportions, we must ask ourselves some hard questions:

• Do we desire personal glory more than we think?

• Do we take credit for what only God can do?

• In subtle ways, do we idolize our achievements, our possessions, or even our circumstances, giving them credit that belongs to God alone?

The truth is, we often flirt with Nebuchadnezzar’s sin. It may not be as blatant as standing on a rooftop and proclaiming our greatness, but the awe of self can creep into our hearts in quieter, more insidious ways.

It shows up when we take pride in our successes without acknowledging God’s hand in them. It appears when we seek validation from others rather than resting in God’s approval. It thrives when we forget that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17).

A Humbling Lesson

Nebuchadnezzar didn’t get it first. His misplaced awe led to his downfall. God humbled him, reducing his behavior to that of an animal. Stripped of his power, his dignity, and his reason, Nebuchadnezzar was brought low. But in that humbling, something remarkable happened: he came to see the truth about God.

In Daniel 4:34-35, Nebuchadnezzar declared:

His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"

This declaration is a powerful reminder of who God is. He's the sovereign King whose dominion is eternal and whose authority is unmatched. It’s also a reminder of who we are: finite, dependent, and utterly incapable of achieving anything apart from Him.

Strategies for Winning the War Within

Nebuchadnezzar’s story is a cautionary tale, but it’s also a gift. It points us back to the awe of God. It's an awe that protects us from the pride and idolatry that so easily entangle us.

Consider these steps to guard against the awe of self:

• Daily surrender. Acknowledge that you are not the center of the universe; God is.

• Never stray from God's truth. Take time to read and meditate on God's word daily.

• Serve others intentionally. Look for opportunities to put someone else's needs before your own. This will help loosen the self's grip on your heart.

• Give God the credit. When success or praise comes your way, point back to the One who gave you the ability, the opportunity, and the strength.

• Surround yourself with honest voices. Invite trusted people to speak into your life, even if it's hard to hear. Godly accountability protects you from the blind spots that pride creates.

Guarding against the awe of self is not a one-time decision. It's a daily discipline. And it starts with worship, fixing our eyes on the One whose kingdom will never end.

Choose Your Side

The war on the battlefield of your heart is real, but you do not fight it alone or without a strategy. Every conscious choice to practice humility, to offer thanks, and to worship God is a victory. It's a decisive blow against the awe of self. Let's learn from Nebuchadnezzar and choose our side. Let's stand in awe, not of what we've built, but of the God who has already won the war.