“When we fear God, we’re aligning our lives with His will in love and trust.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 19, 2024
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
Adventurous bedtime stories tend to spark our grandchildren’s imaginations. They especially enjoy it when they are part of the story. So, imagine with me that you’re standing on the edge of a vast forest. One path leads into a dark, foreboding thicket filled with shadows and uncertainty. Though still within the forest, the other path is illuminated by a warm, inviting light. The first path represents living in fear, while the second symbolizes fearing God. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” At first glance, this may seem confusing—how can fear be a good thing? But this fear isn’t about terror or anxiety. It’s about awe, reverence, and respect for our Creator. It’s about recognizing God’s power and majesty and understanding our place in His creation.
Continuing on our forest adventure, we have now made our way up a knoll to a waterfall. Think of fearing God as standing before a mighty waterfall. You feel its refreshing mist cooling your hot and sweaty body after a strenuous hike. You feel its power and strength, but you’re not scared. Instead, you’re filled with awe and wonder. This kind of fear draws you closer, making you want to know more about the One who controls such power. It leads to wisdom and a deeper relationship with God. On the other hand, living in fear is like being trapped in a dense fog; you hesitate to move, scared of something hurting you. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of what others think—these fears paralyze you, keeping you from moving forward. 2 Timothy 1:7 reassures us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” God doesn’t want you to live in that fog of fear. He offers clarity, strength, and peace.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This isn’t about living in terror but understanding what truly matters. When we fear God, we’re aligning our lives with His will, prioritizing what’s eternal over what’s temporal.
So, how do you shift from living in fear to fearing God? It starts with trust. Trust that God is in control. Trust that He loves you and has a plan for you. When you focus on His power and love, the fog of fear dissipates, and you can walk confidently on the path He’s illuminated. Remember, fearing God isn’t about living in dread; it’s about living in awe and reverence. It’s about acknowledging His greatness and letting that understanding guide your life. Let the fear of the Lord be your compass, and watch as He leads you out of the fog and into His marvelous light. A divine light that illumines the path of God’s will and a warm light of unceasing, comforting love.
Prayer
Dear Lord, grant me the strength to fear You alone and not the opinions of others. Help me to stand firm in my faith, trusting in Your guidance and wisdom. Let my actions be pleasing to You, and may Your love cast out all fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
What unhealthy fear do I need to replace with love and a healthy fear of the Lord?
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 10:12; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13
Worship Resource
Josh Baldwin: Prince of Peace
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