How can we cultivate a fear of God as described in Psalm 86:11? Psalm 86:11 — Heart Cry for Holy Fear “Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.” What Holy Fear Looks Like - Awe of God’s majesty and holiness (Isaiah 66:2) - Submission to His commands in every area of life (Deuteronomy 10:12) - Single-hearted devotion that refuses rival loves (Psalm 86:11) - Ongoing obedience that flows from gratitude, not dread (Philippians 2:12; Hebrews 12:28-29) Cultivating Fear of God: Three Essentials 1. Receive His Teaching • Read Scripture daily with expectancy (2 Titus 3:16) • Depend on the Spirit for illumination (John 16:13) • Gather under faithful preaching and clear explanation (Nehemiah 8:8) 2. Walk in His Truth • Align choices with His word without delay (Psalm 119:60) • Confess and forsake sin quickly (1 John 1:9) • Refuse conformity to cultural pressures (Romans 12:2) 3. Pursue an Undivided Heart • Remove idols that compete for affection (1 John 5:21) • Practice disciplines that center the heart: – meditation on the Word (Psalm 1:2) – wholehearted worship (Psalm 34:3) – sacrificial service (Hebrews 12:28-29) • Maintain reconciled relationships through prompt confession and forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24) Scripture Echoes - “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7) - “Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.” (Psalm 25:12) - “Then the church … grew in numbers and lived in the fear of the Lord.” (Acts 9:31) Practical Next Steps - Schedule a daily moment to voice, “Lord, teach me Your way,” then read a passage and obey one clear truth. - Memorize Psalm 86:11 and recite it throughout the day to steady wandering affections. - Weigh every decision in light of God’s character and commands, choosing what honors His name. - Keep a journal of the Lord’s works; reviewing His faithfulness deepens awe (Psalm 111:2-3). - Cultivate friendships with believers who revere God; shared worship strengthens holy fear (Malachi 3:16). Living in Fear — Yet Confidence Holy fear draws the believer near with reverent joy. As God teaches His way, we walk in His truth with undivided hearts. Life then echoes David’s cry: “Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.” |
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