“COME, YOU CHILDREN, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” Psalms 34:11 One of the greatest reasons for the apostasy of the church is a lack of the fear of the Lord. I have heard people describe this “fear” as mostly a lax condition, since it produces cognitive dissonance in their minds of a loving Father.
The fear of God is an awesome reverence and respect for God and His Word. It’s a firm understanding that God will do what He said He would do. He acts according to His Word. An honest fear of God produces a holy life before Him. The fear of the Lord is true godliness and religion; it is clean and endures forever.
When you do what you want to do, operate in fear, gossip about others, treat people wickedly, create division and rumors; you show Him a lack of honor and lack of fear. When you mock and scoff at goodness and righteousness, you lack the fear of the Lord. When you try to hide sin from the Almighty, you lack the fear of the Lord. Loose lips show a lack of fear. Perhaps you do not really believe His Word? The psalmist declares “there is no want to those who fear Him”.
See, the promises of God are reserved for those who genuinely fear the Lord. He promises to: save me from all my fears and all my troubles (v.4,6,17), send angels to encamp around me (v.7) supply all my needs (v.9), give me an abundant life (v.12), hear my prayers (v. 15), comfort me with His presence (v.18) and redeem my soul (v.22)— IF I fear Him. The NT Gentile converts were called “the God-fearers”. These sought the Lord, cried out to Him, drew near to seek His ways, kept their tongue from evil and lies, remained separated from the world, had contrite hearts and became His servants. Grace draws you in, but the fear of the Lord keeps you. #runyourrace
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