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Fear nothing but God!

Posted by Daniel Tse on

FEAR NOTHING BUT GOD! OR FEAR EVERYTHING BUT GOD?

I remember one sentiment a friend shared with me during a conversation several years ago. He stated that he has no fear of God as God loves him. I am sure that God does love him, deeply, yet this love does not negate our rightful fear of Him.

From Genesis to Revelation, we see that living in fear of God is always life-giving, and our fellowship with God is broken when we fail to fear him. Proverbs shoots many succinct arrows to pierce our pride and challenge us in living God’s way.

We are reminded that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Pr 1:7), and “wisdom” (Pr 9:10). “The fear of the Lord leads to life!” (Pr 19:23). “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death” (Pr 14:27) and, “by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil “ (Pr 16:6).

What’s the difference between living in fear and living in fear of God?

When we are fearful of everything around us; job loss, failing health, our children’s futures, romance or lack of it, uncertain finances etc. We get fidgety, worry, become anxious. Our heart is gripped by fears and we are paralysed by the “What if ’s” in our lives, these stop us from living the life that God always wanted us to have - Life that is abundant and free! (John 10:10). Jesus tells us to not worry about tomorrow, lay your burden before Him, live like the birds in the sky and be confident like the lilies of the valley.

Living in fear of things or people will cripple us, God reassures us that living this life in awe and reverence of who He is bringing Him delight and we are blessed.

“...what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (Deut 10:12-13).

What is one thing you can do to live in deep reverence for Christ today?

 

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