Repeatedly, the psalmists enjoin us to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (I Chron. 16.29; II Chron. 20.21; Ps. 29.2; 96.9) or in “holy array” or the “splendor of holiness.” Ps. 96.9 links this worship with fearing God – trembling before Him. John Monsell wrote a hymn entitled “Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness” and he clearly understood the relationship between right worship and humility.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, Bow down before Him, His glory proclaim; Gold of obedience and incense of lowliness, Bring and adore Him—the Lord is His Name.

Low at His feet lay Thy burden of carefulness, High on His heart He will bear it for thee; Comfort thy sorrows and answer thy prayerfulness, Guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.

Fear not to enter His courts in the slenderness Of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine; Truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness, These are the offerings to lay on His shrine.

These though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness, He will accept for the Name that is dear, Mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness, Trust for our trembling, and hope for our fear.