Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 10, 2018
How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God? Genesis 39:9
The fear of God is healthy. Joseph understood this. Though he was in an environment where he could sin and nobody would know, he knew that most importantly God would know. This is healthy, because a respectful attitude toward God is accountability. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we know God is watching, and we know that He expects us to represent Him well. Wherever there is God, there is accountability.
We may be able to hide (for a time) our Internet probing of despicable sites, but God is not deceived. We may cover up (for a time) padded expense reports, but God is not fooled. Our flirtatious words and emotional attachment to someone other than our spouse disappoint and grieve our heavenly Father. Over time, all of these areas of sin will be exposed, and there will be tremendous hurt and disaster. However, when we fear Him we experience His accountability and as we submit to Him, there is obedience to do the right thing.
“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge” (Psalm 51:3-4).
So where does fear of God come from? It comes from God. As a follower of Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit resides in you, and among other things, He is there to convict you of sin. We have a God consciousness. His still, small voice (sometimes loud voice) is there to remind us of His expectations. He is jealous and wants us totally for Himself.
Lastly, the essence of fearing God is a reverential trust that compels you to love and obey Him. Ironclad faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is foundational in your fear of God. The more you understand God’s character through His Word, the more you grow to love and respect Him. Fear of God flows into a fervent faith that rejects sin and trusts Him.
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, keep my heart tender and clean with real time confession of my sin against You, in Jesus’ name, amen.Application
Does my fear of God cause my behavior to change in my concern not to disappoint Jesus?Related Reading
Numbers 32:23; Nehemiah 5:15; Acts 10:2; 2 Corinthians 5:11 Taken from Seeking Daily the Heart of God v.2Post/Tweet today
The fear of God compels us to love and obey Him. #WisdomHunters #healthyfearWorship Resource
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