I've always wished there was a word that could be set aside from our language for God. I mean yes we have "Hallelujah" but I don't know, like all of the words we use in songs and prayer to describe God are used to describe other cool things. For instance, we have "amazing" which I could use to describe the new restaurant I love down the street. "Good" can describe a new coffee I like. When the kids I teach grow and make music in a deeper way, I say "that was awesome!" But
God is so much more than these things.
Since the year began and I eliminated the word "awesome" from my vocabulary, yes I have slipped up a few times. But, a couple things have happened.
1. I have become more aware of the words I use to describe things. Not in a stressful way, though. I just think on it for a few seconds before I talk about how amazing that coffee was. When I do slip and use the word, I have a momentary conversation with God where I find myself saying, "No, wait. Only you are awesome."
2. My worship has been transformed. When I go to church and we sing songs about how awesome He is, It feels so liberating to use that word. It's more special now. I can't even explain it. I've reserved that word for God alone, and when I use it in the way I intend, my worship is just that - more intentional.
I'm not saying everyone should do this, but I am saying that this was something I decided to give a try for the year to see what would happen, and I feel like God is really honoring it.
Kate