Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm. Psalms 33:8-9
There's a difference between awe and fear. Awe is the response of amazement with a touch of surprise. Someone did something that goes beyond what we usually consider 'normal'. He has impressed us. And though the 'Wow!' factor usually reminds us to maintain a respectful distance, what this person has done draws us closer. Awe draws us closer.
Fear is another matter. Fear is bright orange flares on the roadway and red flags waving. Fear is about keeping away. Fear is a good response to a sense of danger. 'Beware! It's not safe here.'
Both awe and fear make sense when it comes to God. And the psalmist tells us what it is that God has done to call for these responses. He created. He just spoke, and there it all was. Creation.