I stand in fear of Your judgments.
The fear mentioned here is not merely terror but a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's righteous decrees. God's judgments are His decisions and laws, which are perfect and just (Psalm 19:9). The psalmist's fear is rooted in an understanding of God's authority and the consequences of disobedience. This fear is akin to the reverence shown by figures like Daniel, who remained faithful despite the threat of the lion's den (Daniel 6). The phrase also connects to the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), emphasizing a life lived in accordance with God's will. This fear is not paralyzing but motivating, driving the believer to live righteously in light of God's ultimate judgment.

• “My flesh trembles in awe of You” (Psalm 119:120a) pictures a whole-body response to God’s majesty. The psalmist is not merely intellectually impressed; his very body shudders at the thought of standing before the Almighty.

• Scripture shows others reacting this way:

– Exodus 3:6: “Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.”

– Job 42:5-6: Job says, “Now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.”

– Isaiah 6:5: “Woe to me,” Isaiah cries, overwhelmed by God’s holiness.

• Such trembling is healthy; it anchors reverence in the body as well as the mind, reminding us that God is not a concept but the living, holy Lord (Psalm 2:11).

• When we feel small before Him, we also feel safe, because the One who evokes awe is the same One whose steadfast love never fails (Psalm 33:18-19).

• “I stand in fear of Your judgments” (Psalm 119:120b) moves from physical trembling to a settled stance of reverent fear toward God’s decisions, laws, and verdicts.

• The word “stand” suggests resolve: the psalmist plants himself firmly in respect for whatever God says is right.

• Cross-references underscore this posture:

– Psalm 19:9: “The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.”

– Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: “Fear God and keep His commandments… For God will bring every deed into judgment.”

– Hebrews 10:30-31: “The Lord will judge His people… It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

• Reverent fear is not paralyzing dread but a motivator to obedience. Knowing that God’s judgments are perfect and final keeps us from casual sin (Psalm 119:11) and fuels a life that seeks His approval over human applause (Acts 5:29).

• Standing in fear also means trusting His verdicts when life seems unfair; if His judgments are true, then His timing and purposes are too (Romans 11:33).

Psalm 119:120 paints a balanced portrait of godly fear: our bodies tremble at His overwhelming holiness, and our wills take a firm stand under His righteous judgments. Such fear is neither superstition nor insecurity; it is the wholehearted reverence that flows from knowing the living God whose power humbles us and whose statutes guide us into life.