Today’s Reading:
Psalm 115: 1-18
“He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great” (v .13)
Fear is general to man, as it is an emotional response to awareness or alert to the presence of danger or threat of harm. It is unpleasant and usually causes pain and suffering. No wonder Apostle John said fear has torment (1 John 4:18). The major causes or sources of fear are; darkness, height, rejection, death, some deadly animals and insects, even intimidating fellows, the unknown, the devil. Spiritually, the most mentioned “fear” is the “fear of God.” Apostle Paul confirmed to Timothy in 2 Tim.1:7 that God has not given us (believers), the spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind.
Descriptions of the “fear of God” are contained in many scripture verses and by many writers. King Solomon said in Prov.1:7 and 9:10 that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. In Prov. 8:13, he said that God fears to hate evil. Job wrote in Job 28:28 that God said to man, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom”. In Ecc. 12:13, King Solomon wrote the conclusion of the whole matter as “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man’s all”. The commonest show of the “fear of God” by humans is the deep, complete reverence, respect and gift of his power, authority, majesty, holiness and great glory. Some of the men and women recorded in the scripture as having the fear of God include: Abraham, Noah, Joseph (Gen.42:18), people of Israel (Ex 14:31), Job (1:1, 2:3), Nehemiah and Hananiah (Neh. 7:2), the Hebrew midwives (Ex 1:21), the first-century church (Act 5:11). Some of the distinct characteristics of those who fear God are humility, loving obedience to him, love for him, delight in him, the pursuit of holiness, deep desire and honour for the Word, hatred of sin/evil, enjoying intimacy with him, living a holy and exemplary lifestyle, never speak wrong or disbelieve about God no matter the circumstance.
Many benefits accrue to whoever walks or lives in the fear of God. These include: being blessed (Ps112:1; 115:13; 128:1); the Lord taking pleasure in him/her (Ps 147:14); book of remembrance/memorial is written before God for his/her (Mal 3:17); given divine wisdom and knowledge; given weapon against sin (Ex 20:20); enjoy mercy from generation to generation (Luke 1:50); prolonged life.
How to get a life and grow the fear of God. To get or receive the “fear of God”, you must first accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour by believing in your heart He died for your sin to set you free and confess with your mouth. You receive the gift of salvation as you ask him to forgive all your sins and give you a new start. With these, you become born again and God sends his Holy Spirit to live in you, guiding and leading you on. The Holy Spirit puts the fear of God into you. From then on, you begin to live in the fear of God, as you desire to live in harmony with his righteous standards and honor him in all you do. You keep his commandments as you obey him wholeheartedly. You submit to his discipline and discover the joy of knowing and loving him. Live a holy lifestyle of example to others, hating and avoiding sin. Worship God with deep respect, and reverence and praise him all day and night. To continue to grow in the fear of the Lord is achievable through a desire for deeper fellowship with him and with other brethren, continuously seeking and dwelling in the Word. Get to a greater worship and praise level, and get involved in active prayers, especially intercessory prayers. Hope and live in his unfailing love and promises. Serve him faithfully and diligently in the ministry you are called into.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor/priest.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, we appreciate you for giving us Your fear which makes us live in awe, respect and true worship of you.
Father, please continue to help and teach us to manifest characteristics of the fear of You.
Lord, multiply the benefits of fearing You in our lives.
Father, let Your fear permeate the church so that the world and our nation will come to the saving knowledge of Christ.
Lord Jesus, please put Your fear into the hearts of our nation’s leaders continuously.
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