How can we "fear the LORD" in our daily lives today? The Heart of Deuteronomy 6:2 “so that you and your son and your grandson may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged.” (Deuteronomy 6:2) What “Fear the LORD” Really Means • Awe at His unmatched holiness (Isaiah 6:1–5) • Reverent submission that moves us to swift obedience (Ecclesiastes 12:13) • A sober awareness that He sees and judges every deed (Hebrews 4:13; Matthew 10:28) • Delight in His fatherly care that keeps us from treating Him casually (Psalm 34:9) Why Godly Fear Still Matters • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). • New-covenant believers walked “in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:31). • “Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). Daily Practices That Cultivate Holy Fear 1. Soak in Scripture – Schedule unhurried reading (Joshua 1:8). – Memorize and recite verses that reveal God’s character (Psalm 119:11). 2. Quick, Costly Obedience – Act on truth as soon as you learn it (James 1:22). – Choose integrity even when no one is watching (Colossians 3:23-24). 3. Continual Worship – Begin and end the day acknowledging His greatness (Psalm 92:1-2). – Sing, speak, or journal grateful praise throughout ordinary moments (Ephesians 5:19-20). 4. Serious Repentance – Confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9). – Replace the sin with a Spirit-led opposite action (Ephesians 4:22-24). 5. Guarded Speech – Refuse flippant words about God (Matthew 12:36). – Build others up instead of tearing down (Ephesians 4:29). 6. Steward Everything as His – Finances: first-fruits giving (Proverbs 3:9). – Body: purity and health (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). – Time: Sabbath rest and purposeful work (Exodus 20:8-11; Ephesians 5:15-16). 7. Teach the Next Generation – Talk about God’s works “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road” (Deuteronomy 6:7). – Model holy fear more than you lecture about it (1 Timothy 4:12). 8. Serve with Trembling Joy – Use your gifts for the good of Christ’s body (1 Peter 4:10-11). – See every act of kindness as done to the Lord Himself (Matthew 25:40). Promises Attached to Godly Fear • Prolonged and meaningful days (Deuteronomy 6:2). • Divine provision: “Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing” (Psalm 34:9). • Strong confidence and refuge for children (Proverbs 14:26). • Refreshing life: “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life” (Proverbs 14:27). A Simple Weekly Plan • Monday – Read Deuteronomy 6 aloud; list God’s commands. • Tuesday – Eliminate one casual habit that dishonors His name. • Wednesday – Fast from media for an evening to meditate on Psalm 33. • Thursday – Speak a Scripture-based blessing over family or friends. • Friday – Give a secret gift that only the Father sees (Matthew 6:3-4). • Saturday – Walk outside, praising Him for creation (Psalm 19:1). • Sunday – Gather with believers, receiving the word “with fear and great joy” (Matthew 28:8). Living in holy fear is not dread that drives us from God; it is reverent awe that draws us close, keeps us obedient, and fills daily life with the weighty gladness of belonging to the King. |
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