How can we "fear" and "take refuge" in God daily? Psalm 31:19 at a Glance “How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You!” Fear and Refuge—Two Sides of the Same Trust • “Fear” here is not terror but a reverent awe that bows before God’s majesty (Proverbs 1:7; Isaiah 57:15). • “Refuge” is the conscious act of running to Him as the only safe shelter (Psalm 46:1; Proverbs 18:10). • Both attitudes spring from believing God’s Word is true, dependable, and literally fulfilled. Cultivating Holy Fear Each Day • Start the morning by reading a portion of Scripture aloud, letting God’s voice set the tone (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). • Acknowledge His greatness with spoken praise: declare who He is—Creator, Sovereign, Redeemer (Psalm 96:4). • Confront sin immediately: confess, repent, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). Reverent fear will not tolerate lingering rebellion. • Choose obedience in the ordinary: budgeting, work ethic, media choices—all submitted to His commands (Colossians 3:17). • End the day recounting specific evidences of His holiness you noticed, reinforcing awe in His character (Psalm 34:9). Taking Refuge Practically • Pray moment-by-moment: “God, I take shelter in You right now,” especially when anxieties arise (Philippians 4:6-7). • Memorize promises that emphasize His protection—Psalm 91:1-2; Isaiah 41:10—and recite them under pressure. • Build a habit of immediate surrender: when fear or temptation hits, verbally place the situation in His hands (Psalm 55:22). • Surround yourself with Christ-centered fellowship; mutual encouragement keeps your heart tucked inside His fortress (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Replace self-reliance with thanksgiving: thank Him aloud for past deliverances, training the mind to expect future refuge (Psalm 118:8-9). Linking Fear and Refuge in Real Time • Reverent fear drives you toward the shelter; refuge, once taken, deepens your reverence. • The cycle is fed by Scripture intake, Spirit-led obedience, and continual prayer. Enjoying the “Goodness Laid Up” • Peace that surpasses understanding (Isaiah 26:3). • Confidence even when the world shakes (Psalm 62:1-2). • Fresh experiences of His provision and kindness “before the sons of men” (public testimony, Psalm 31:19). • Growing intimacy—the more you fear and hide in Him, the more you taste His goodness (Psalm 34:8). Live each day with head bowed in awe and heart nestled in His arms; the goodness stored up in Psalm 31:19 becomes your present reality. |
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