How can we cultivate a reverent fear of God in our daily lives? Awe Awakens in Judea Luke 1:65: “And fear came upon all who dwelt around them, and all these matters were talked about throughout the hill country of Judea.” • The miracle surrounding John’s birth jolted an ordinary countryside into holy hush. • Notice how tangible acts of God stirred immediate, contagious reverence; word of mouth became a pipeline for awe. Defining Reverent Fear • Not paralyzing terror, but a trembling awareness that God is infinitely holy, infinitely near, and always right. • Proverbs 9:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • Hebrews 12:28 — “…worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” • Philippians 2:12 — “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Why It Matters • Protects us from casual, self-centered faith. • Produces wisdom and discernment. • Motivates obedience even when no one is watching. • Keeps worship fresh and wholehearted. Daily Practices to Grow an Awestruck Heart • Start the day in Scripture; let His voice set the tone (Psalm 119:97). • Pause to survey creation—skies, seasons, sunrise—and say aloud Psalm 19:1. • Keep a “God-sightings” journal; record answered prayer, providential timing, conviction of sin, unexpected provision. • Speak often about His works, just like the Judean villagers (Malachi 3:16). • Obey promptly when conviction comes; delayed obedience dulls reverence (Psalm 128:1). • Enter corporate worship intentionally—arrive early, silence the phone, pray for a teachable spirit (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2). • Practice moments of silent stillness throughout the day (Habakkuk 2:20). • End the night with confession and thanksgiving (1 John 1:9; Psalm 4:4). Encouraging Scriptures to Keep Handy • Psalm 33:8 — “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him.” • Isaiah 66:2 — “…This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 — “…perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • Revelation 15:4 — “Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy.” Living It Out A reverent fear of God is nurtured, not manufactured. As we witness His works, treasure His Word, and walk in obedience, the same holy hush that swept through Judea settles over our own routines, turning the ordinary into ground that feels wonderfully sacred. |
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