Fearing God. This is what I have been learning about for the past week. I started focusing on God's character/attributes in order to get a better picture of who God is. I wanted to get a better of who God is in order to fully understand why I should have a holy fear of God.
Psalm 25:12-14
Who is the man who fears the LORD?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.
The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.
Psalm 33:6-9
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deeps in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.
God has the power to do anything He pleases. He has authority over all things including us for we are apart of His creation. He lifts us up in our time of need and because of His grace and mercy we can be called children of God. Not only are we His children but we are also His friends. What a privilege that is. We have to be careful though not to downsize who God is, even though we are His children and His friends...we are also His slaves, but thank God that we serve a good and loving Master, who causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).
Having a healthy fear of God is a good thing. A healthy and holy fear of God is good and beneficial as we see in Psalm 25:12-14. God promises good to those who fear Him (Psalm 31:19-20). Really, how can you not fear God when you see His power and holiness (Psalm 33:6-9)? For I know that I am unworthy and it is only through Christ that I stand, it is only in Christ that I can be called a child of God. In knowing this and seeing my own weaknesses, I fear the Lord, but out of His love, grace, and mercy He comforts me with His Spirit. I fear the Lord because He alone is holy. Out of this fear of the Lord, I can also find rest and peace. For if I fear the Lord alone, who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and always present, then what else do I have to fear (Psalm 27:1-3)? Nothing.
Psalm 31:19-20
How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you.
In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues.
Psalm 27:1-3
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
