In Psalm 66:3, we read, "Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee." This verse is both a proclamation and an invitation. It beckons us to recognize the unmatched power of God and to understand the appropriate response that such power demands from us.

At first glance, the phrase "How terrible art thou in thy works!" may evoke a sense of fear. However, the term ‘terrible’ in the biblical context often refers more to the overwhelming awe and reverence that God’s actions inspire, rather than merely a sense of dread. This awe is not a terror that drives us away from God, but rather one that draws us nearer, beckoning us to understand more profoundly who God is and what He does.

God's works are indeed terrible, not in a negative sense, but in the sheer magnitude of their impact on creation and humanity. The psalmist is encapsulating the essence of God’s nature: His majesty in creation, His sovereignty in the universe, and His might in judgment. When we survey the works of God — when we observe the intricate design of the universe, the delicate balance of nature, or the miraculous stories of deliverance throughout history — we should be filled with reverence.

In our personal lives, we often face situations that seem insurmountable. We may encounter illness, broken relationships, financial worry, or other personal trials that can lead us to despair. Yet, Psalm 66 speaks to us profoundly during these times. When the scripture mentions that "through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee," it is a declaration of God’s ultimate authority over every challenge that stands against us. Those enemies can represent anything that opposes God’s will: doubt, fear, sin, or even external adversaries that seek to harm us. The psalmist is reminding us of the sovereignty of God over every threatening force.

To say that our enemies submit themselves unto God suggests a recognition of His might by those forces that oppose us. In the face of God’s formidable power, there is no alternative but for every opposing force to yield. This submission is not just a physical or forced surrender; it is an acknowledgment of God’s ultimate power and His righteous governance over all creation. The “enemies” of our lives need to acknowledge that God is in control, and they cannot stand against Him.

In our worship and daily lives, how often do we truly recognize and declare the greatness of God’s works? Do we engage with Him in awe, acknowledging His power not only in our adversities but also in our victories? As we draw closer to God, we are invited to declare His greatness actively. Worship becomes not just a response to what we experience but an important practice of setting our eyes firmly upon Him.

Moreover, acknowledging God’s greatness prompts us to humbly submit ourselves to His authority. In recognizing His power, we understand that we ought to yield our battles to Him, allow Him to guide our paths, and resist the urge to go against His will. Submission to God is never about surrendering to defeat but rather about choosing to trust in His ability to lead us through every storm and trial.

Let us take time to meditate on this verse, approach God in awe, and recognize both His terror and His power. Our response should be one of humility and submission, allowing Him to work in our lives, and trusting that He will cause our enemies to submit before Him. In the majesty of His works, we find hope, comfort, and the assurance that we are never alone in our struggles. He is truly terrible in His works, and there is solace in knowing that such power is on our side.