How can we apply the fear of God in our daily lives? Setting the Scene Exodus 15:16: “Terror and dread will fall upon them; by the greatness of Your arm they will be as still as a stone—until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people whom You have purchased pass by.” What “Fear of God” Means • Reverent awe: humble recognition of God’s unmatched power and holiness • Loving submission: eager obedience flowing from gratitude for redemption • Alert conscience: healthy dread of grieving the One who rescued us Key Insights from Exodus 15:16 • God’s greatness stops His enemies “as still as a stone.” Seeing that power moves us to humble respect. • Israel is called “the people…purchased.” Remembering our purchase price (1 Corinthians 6:20) deepens reverence. • The verse sits in a victory song; fear arises in worship, not in gloom. Daily Applications • Start the day by recalling God’s mighty acts—creation, the cross, personal deliverance. Speak them aloud; awe grows where memory is fresh. • Treat sin seriously. When a tempting thought comes, picture the Red Sea moment: God’s arm is not to be trifled with. • Practice immediate obedience. Delay questions God’s wisdom; swift action honors His authority (John 14:21). • Order conversations and online posts with the awareness that the Holy One listens (Psalm 139:4). • Cultivate gratitude. Purchased people fear God most gladly when they remember the cost—Christ’s blood. Linking Fear to Love and Trust • Fear without love produces terror; love without fear breeds casualness. Holding both guards intimacy and integrity (Psalm 25:14). • The same power that freezes enemies secures believers. Let reverence drive you toward Him, not away (Romans 8:15). Practical Reminders • Keep a “Red Sea journal”—record moments God displayed power or mercy. Review weekly. • Sing worship songs that exalt God’s might; music etches truth onto the heart. • When making decisions, ask: “Would this choice honor the God whose arm split seas?” Then act accordingly. • End each day with Psalm 139:23-24, inviting God to search and correct. Scripture Connections to Reinforce the Lesson • Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Proverbs 14:27—“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life.” • Psalm 34:11—“Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” • Philippians 2:12—“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” • 2 Corinthians 5:11—“Therefore, since we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others.” • Hebrews 12:28-29—“Let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” |
    |