How can we "fear the LORD" as described in Psalm 25:12? Setting the Scene—Psalm 25:12 “Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.” What “Fear of the LORD” Means - Deep reverence and awe that recognizes God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:1–5) - Loving obedience that takes His commands seriously (Deuteronomy 10:12–13) - Conscious awareness of His authority and judgment (1 Peter 1:17) - Trust that yields wholehearted submission (Proverbs 3:5–7) Why This Fear Is Vital - “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10) - It keeps us from evil (Proverbs 8:13) - It welcomes God’s intimate instruction (Psalm 25:14) Practical Ways to Fear the LORD Every Day 1. Recognize His Majesty • Begin each day recalling who He is—Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer (Psalm 95:3–7) 2. Embrace Scripture as Final Authority • Come to the Word ready to obey, not just to learn (James 1:22) 3. Pursue Obedient Living • Ask, “What pleases the Lord?” then act on it (Ephesians 5:10) 4. Hate What He Hates • Turn from gossip, greed, impurity—anything God calls sin (Proverbs 8:13) 5. Cultivate Humility • Confess sin quickly, acknowledge dependence on grace (1 John 1:9) 6. Practice Worship and Gratitude • Worship privately and corporately, declaring His worth (Hebrews 12:28) 7. Serve Others in His Name • Reverence becomes tangible when we love neighbors sacrificially (Galatians 5:13) 8. Live with Eternity in View • Remember future accountability at Christ’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10) Blessings Tied to This Fear (Psalm 25 and Beyond) - Guidance: “He will instruct him in the way” (Psalm 25:12) - Friendship with God: “The LORD confides in those who fear Him” (Psalm 25:14) - Protection: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7) - Provision: “Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing” (Psalm 34:9) - Enduring confidence: “The fear of the LORD leads to life” (Proverbs 19:23) Living It Out Walk through the day conscious that the holy, loving God sees, guides, and rewards. Reverence Him in thought, word, and deed, and He will faithfully “instruct you in the way chosen for you.” |