What steps can we take to cultivate a reverent fear of the Lord? Obadiah’s Example of Holy Awe 1 Kings 18:3—“And Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD.)” Even while managing a corrupt king’s household, Obadiah’s life was stamped by deep reverence. His story becomes a springboard for practical steps we can take today. Step 1: Know the God You Fear • Proverbs 9:10—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • 1 Chronicles 16:25—“Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.” Practical rhythms – Read passages that unveil His holiness (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4). – Memorize verses describing His power, justice, and mercy. – Meditate on one divine attribute each day, letting it renew your mind. Step 2: Let His Word Saturate Your Routine • Deuteronomy 17:19—The king was to “read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God.” • Psalm 119:120—“My flesh trembles in awe of You.” How to weave Scripture in – Schedule unhurried daily reading. – Listen to audio Bible during commutes. – Journal insights, highlighting truths that stir awe. Step 3: Obey When It Costs Obadiah risked his life to hide one hundred prophets (1 Kings 18:4). • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Daily choices – Tell the truth even under pressure. – Refuse compromises that blur holiness. – Act on convictions immediately; delayed obedience drains reverence. Step 4: Practice Humble Worship • Psalm 95:6-7—“Come, let us bow down in worship… He is our God.” • Hebrews 12:28-29—Serve God “with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Ways to worship – Kneel or lift hands in private praise. – Sing hymns that exalt His majesty. – Join gatherings where Scripture-centered worship is central. Step 5: Remember His Mighty Works • Psalm 111:2-3—“Great are the works of the LORD… His righteousness endures forever.” Build a memory bank – Keep a journal of answered prayer. – Read missionary biographies. – Share testimonies regularly at the dinner table. Step 6: Walk with the God-Fearing • Malachi 3:16—Those who feared the LORD “spoke with one another.” • Acts 9:31—The church, “walking in the fear of the Lord,” multiplied. Put this in place – Join a small group focused on Scripture. – Seek an accountability partner who values holiness. – Mentor and be mentored; reverence is contagious. Step 7: Rely on the Spirit’s Work • Isaiah 11:2—The Spirit is “the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.” • Philippians 2:12-13—Work out salvation “for it is God who works in you.” Practical posture – Ask the Spirit to unveil God’s greatness whenever you open the Bible. – Surrender sinful habits promptly; He empowers what He commands. Step 8: Pass Holy Fear to the Next Generation • Deuteronomy 6:1-2—Teach His commands “so that you and your sons… may fear the LORD.” Family practices – Read a portion of Scripture aloud each day. – Discuss how God’s character shapes decisions. – Celebrate obedience, not just achievement. Living It Out Obadiah shows that reverent fear can flourish in any setting—even a royal court steeped in idolatry—when God’s greatness rules the heart. By knowing Him, soaking in His Word, choosing costly obedience, worshiping humbly, remembering His works, walking with godly companions, depending on the Spirit, and training the next generation, we cultivate the same holy awe that set Obadiah apart. |
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