In my devotional time, God has really put it on on my heart to reflect on what “the fear of the Lord” means. Through my research I have found that it is really an attitude of respect, a response of reverence and wonder. It truly is an appropriate response to our Creator and Redeemer. When I read this scripture “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. You will eat the fruit of your Labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” Psalm 128 I see that blessings flow when our relationship with God is correctly aligned. I know that I want this personal blessing of God in my life. Later in the Psalm it says what the blessing will look like: my family will be blessed because of it, prosperity will be included, and I will live to see my children’s children.” Blessings are promised throughout my life, and that is powerful. How do I achieve this? First, God calls us to fear him or respect him in an intimate way. It’s a way that we are called to live each day of our life. A few questions to consider if we are truly living a life that is reflective of the fear of God are these. What is the measure of my fear? Am I casual about the precious gifts of God? Do I take God’s grace for granted and see my sin as tolerable? Are my relationships take-them-or-them propositions? Are my time and resources carefully managed? The person who does not fear God takes a casual approach to life. The awesome beauty of creation is taken for granted. The preciousness of time and of life becomes less precious. Little by little, relationships become trivial. And sin becomes a nonissue, something that doesn’t really exist or that God will just overlook without much thought. The one who does not fear God is really living foolishly. Fear of God is where wisdom begins. Those who fear him are humble and become wise. When I think of those questions, I have to admit that on some days, I don’t approach my day with this reverence. By his grace and love and guidance though the Holy Spirit, I know that this is possible for me. I want to live with this joy that really comes out of the fear of God. To me, the image of a child on Christmas morning comes to mind. This child is so overwhelmed with the gifts she has received, that she is overcome with love and appreciation towards who gave her the gifts. This is how I want to live my days on earth. I want to acknowledge God constantly with every breath I take. Every good and perfect gift I have been given comes from Him. When I acknowledge this in my spirit, I am fearing God. Blessings will follow. That is what Psalm 128 reminds us again… Blessed are all who fear the Lord. Who walk in his ways…. My desire is that you my friend begin to fear God in a whole new way.
Be Blessed,
Jessica
Very nicely put, Jessica. Some great reminders of ways to call myself to account!
This makes me think of Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.”
I was raised Catholic and in my case the reverence for God was instilled. I do appreciate that I was taught to not be so casual in my attitudes about Him. In my case it also had me thinking that He was just so far away. I’m so glad He drew me closer and I got to know more about His Word. This is always so good to be reminded of–thank you.