How can we apply the fear of the Lord in our daily lives? Setting the Scene in 2 Kings 17:25 “ When they first lived there, they did not fear the LORD; so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them.” • New settlers in Samaria ignored the LORD’s clear command to fear Him. • The consequence—lions—shows the LORD’s active, personal involvement when His rightful honor is withheld. • The passage demonstrates that the fear of the LORD is not optional; it is a covenant expectation with real-world results. What “Fear of the LORD” Really Means • Reverence: recognizing His unrivaled majesty (Psalm 33:8). • Submission: gladly yielding to His commands (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). • Awe-filled obedience rather than terror-driven distance (Psalm 112:1; Hebrews 12:28-29). • Daily awareness that God both loves and judges (Acts 5:11, 1 Peter 1:17). Why This Matters Today • Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” No fear → no wisdom. • Acts 9:31 links living “in the fear of the Lord” with church growth and Spirit-empowered comfort. • Philippians 2:12 calls believers to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” showing it remains central after the cross. Daily Applications—Living Out Holy Awe 1. Worship with intentional awe • Begin each day acknowledging His sovereignty (Psalm 5:7). • Refuse casual, distracted worship; sing and pray as to a living King. 2. Quick obedience • When Scripture speaks, respond immediately (John 14:15). • Treat delayed obedience as disobedience. 3. Guarded speech • Speak with honesty and honor (Proverbs 8:13). • Refuse gossip or flippant God-talk; His name is holy (Exodus 20:7). 4. Consistent repentance • Keep short accounts with sin (1 John 1:9). • See sin as an offense against a holy God, not merely a mistake. 5. Humility in relationships • Serve rather than dominate (Ephesians 5:21). • Remember that every person you meet bears God’s image. 6. Wise decision-making • Filter choices through “Will this honor the LORD?” (Proverbs 3:7). • Seek counsel from Scripture and godly believers before major steps. 7. Stewardship of resources • Give generously and manage money ethically (Proverbs 14:31). • Handle time and talents as gifts entrusted by a Master who will evaluate (Matthew 25:14-30). 8. Courageous witness • Share Christ respectfully yet boldly (2 Corinthians 5:11). • Fear of God liberates from fear of people (Matthew 10:28). Practical Habits to Cultivate Godly Fear • Daily Scripture intake—let His voice be the loudest. • Memorize verses on God’s character (e.g., Isaiah 6:1-5; Revelation 4:8-11). • Regularly recount answered prayers and providences to keep His reality vivid. • Fast occasionally to remind the body who rules (Matthew 6:16-18). • Schedule moments of silent awe—step outside, look at the heavens (Psalm 19:1). Blessings Tied to Fear of the LORD • Long life and satisfaction (Proverbs 10:27). • Confident security (Proverbs 14:26). • Provision and protection (Psalm 34:9-10). • Deepening holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1). Walking Forward Just as the settlers in Samaria learned that ignoring God’s rightful place invites loss, embracing wholesome, affectionate fear invites fullness. Let every choice, word, and moment today echo the cry of Psalm 86:11—“Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.” |
    |