THE FEAR OF THE LORD!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023.

SUBJECT : THE FEAR OF THE LORD! 

Memory verse: "And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." (Job 28 vs 28.)

READ: Psalm 25 vs 12 - 15; 34 vs 11 - 14:

25:12: What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

25:13: His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

25:14: The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

25:15: Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

34:11: Come you children, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

34:12: Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?

34:13: Keep your tongue from evil, and your soul lips from speaking deceit.

34:14: Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

INTIMATION:

“The fear of the Lord” means to have respect and reverence for God and to be in awe of His majesty and power. It is not a mere fear of His power and righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him. The fear of the Lord is reverential of Him as a controlling motive of life in matters that are spiritual and moral. Reverence mingled with fear and love constitute the piety of man toward God. It is a fear which banishes the terror that shrinks from His presence, and which influences the disposition and attitude of one whose circumstances are guided by trust in God, through the indwelling Spirit of God. 

The Bible often connects the fear of the Lord (love and reverence for Him) with obedience. “Fear God, and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12 vs 13). “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14 vs 23). A person who fears the Lord doesn’t lie, turns from evil, does good, and promotes peace. Reverence is much more than sitting quietly in church. It includes obeying God in the way we speak and the way we treat others. Fear of the Lord is the foundation upon which learning takes place. This fear leads to listening to God and obeying His commandments. It is obedience to His will. 

Recognition of the existence and authority of God in our lives is the foundation upon which all learning should take place. The fear of the Lord is a key theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible (Job through Songs of Solomon). It is the starting point to finding real wisdom (Proverbs 1 vs 7 - 9). The only way to become truly wise is to fear (revere) God. Too often people want to skip this step, thinking they can become wise by life experience and academic knowledge alone. But if we do not acknowledge God as the source of wisdom, then our foundation for making wise decisions is shaky and we are prone to mistakes and foolish choices. 

To fear the Lord is to recognize God’s attributes: He is Holy, Almighty, Righteous, Pure, All-knowing, All-powerful, and All-wise. When we regard God correctly, we gain a clearer picture of ourselves: sinful, weak, frail, and needy. When we recognize who God is and who we are, we will fall at His feet in humble respect. Only then will He show us how to choose His way. If one will reverence God and submit to His will, then God will teach him His way. The obedient will then live in peace of mind, his posterity through his children will continue throughout generations, and he will thus benefit from his covenant relationship with God, enjoying the benefit of a spiritual connection with Him, and will be a friend of God.

With fear of the Lord is prolonged days, and your children will have a place of refuge. It gives confidence, it is a foundation of life, and helps turn one away from the snares of death. God offers intimate and lasting friendship to those who revere Him, who hold Him in highest honor. What relationship could ever compare with having the Lord of all creation for a friend? Your everlasting friendship with God will grow as you respect and honor Him. 

Prayer: Abba Father, endue with the excellent spirit of fear of the Lord, and raw obedience to Your will, that I may be found worthy of Your intimate friendship, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!