How can believers cultivate a healthy fear of God in daily life? What Psalm 36:1 Reveals About Fear “An oracle within my heart about the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.” • God links the absence of fear directly to unchecked sin. • Where awe disappears, rebellion accelerates. Why Fear Matters for Every Believer • Proverbs 1:7 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” • Psalm 111:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” • Ecclesiastes 12:13 — “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 — Fear fuels holiness. • Hebrews 12:28-29 — Reverence anchors grateful worship. Heart Practices That Grow Godly Fear • Scripture meditation: memorize majesty-laden passages (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4). • Honest self-examination: invite Psalm 139:23-24, repent quickly. • Contemplate the cross: see severity toward sin and mercy toward sinners (Romans 11:22). • Confess God’s attributes aloud: holiness, omniscience, justice, love, immutability. Daily Actions That Keep Reverence Fresh • Word before phone each morning; read aloud on bended knee if able. • Midday pause: recall Hebrews 4:13, nothing hidden. • Evening review: thank Him, worship with Hebrews 12:28-29. • Guard speech: avoid joking about sin (Ephesians 5:4). • Filter media: refuse what grieves the Spirit. • Practice immediate obedience; delay dulls fear. Warnings That Preserve Holy Awe • Familiarity breeds complacency—remember Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6-7). • Presuming on grace invites discipline (Hebrews 10:26-31). • Mocking environments erode reverence; enter as salt, not a sponge. The Fruit of Walking in Fear and Love • Acts 9:31—churches lived “in the fear of the Lord” and enjoyed peace. • 1 Peter 1:17—reverent fear coexists with calling God “Father.” • Result: humility, wisdom, quick repentance, sturdy obedience, vibrant worship, deep assurance. |
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