How can we apply the fear of God in our daily lives? Setting the Scene 2 Chronicles 20:29: “And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.” • Judah had just watched God rout three invading armies without lifting a sword. • News traveled fast, and surrounding nations were gripped by holy dread. • The passage shows that genuine encounters with God’s power produce a deep, reverent fear—one that shapes attitudes and actions. What the Fear of God Is—and Isn’t • Awe-filled reverence, not paralyzing terror. • Loving submission, not servile cringing (Psalm 130:4). • A heart that treasures God’s approval above human applause (Acts 5:29). • A continual awareness that He sees, knows, and rightly judges all we do (Hebrews 4:13). Why the Fear of God Matters Today • It’s the fountainhead of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). • It curbs sin when no one else is watching (Proverbs 16:6). • It fuels courageous obedience (2 Chronicles 17:3-6). • It steadies us in uncertain times—if God fights for us, who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31). Practical Ways to Walk in Godly Fear Start each day mindful of His majesty • Read a short psalm aloud; let the words recalibrate your heart (Psalm 95:1-7). • Praise Him for attributes that inspire reverence: holiness, sovereignty, faithfulness. Remember His constant presence • Whisper, “You are here,” before opening email, joining a meeting, or folding laundry (Psalm 139:1-12). • Invite His evaluation of thoughts and motives throughout the day. Obey promptly, even in small matters • Delay breeds excuses; immediate obedience affirms His lordship (John 14:15). • Keep a brief repentance list—settle accounts quickly (1 John 1:9). Guard your words • Speak as though every sentence is uttered before His throne (Matthew 12:36). • Replace gossip or harshness with speech that builds up (Ephesians 4:29). Steward time, money, and influence • Budget and schedule with eternity in view (Matthew 6:19-21). • Give generously; fear loosens its grip on things because God owns it all (1 Chronicles 29:14). Live transparently with others • Invite trusted believers to ask hard questions (Hebrews 3:13). • Confess struggles before they harden into strongholds (James 5:16). Serve with humble boldness • Fear of God frees us from the fear of man, enabling clear witness (Acts 4:18-20). • Look for one self-forgetting act of kindness each day. Echoes from the Whole Counsel of Scripture • Ecclesiastes 12:13—“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” • Psalm 112:1—“Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.” • Philippians 2:12—“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you.” • Hebrews 12:28-29—“Let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1—“Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Fruit We Can Expect • Deeper intimacy with the Lord—He confides in those who fear Him (Psalm 25:14). • Steady wisdom for daily decisions. • Credible witness that draws others to Christ (Acts 9:31). • Unshakable peace, knowing the mighty Warrior fights for His people (2 Chronicles 20:15). Taking the Next Step Choose one practice above—perhaps guarding your words or starting each morning in a psalm—and lean into it this week. As the kingdoms surrounding Judah discovered, a heartfelt fear of God is not bondage but freedom, anchoring life in the safest place possible: under the strong hand of the Lord who fights for His own. |
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