How can we cultivate a "fear of the LORD" in our daily lives? Setting the Foundation: What Psalm 147:11 Teaches “ ‘The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His loving devotion.’ ” • The fear God treasures is inseparably linked to hope in His covenant love. • It is not dread that drives us away, but reverent awe that draws us close. Understanding “Fear of the LORD” • Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Deuteronomy 10:12—“What does the LORD your God require of you… to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” • Hebrews 12:28-29 couples grateful worship with consuming holiness. Fear = humble awareness of His absolute greatness + glad submission to His will. Daily Habits that Nurture Holy Fear 1. Meditate on His Majesty • Spend unhurried moments in passages that reveal His power—Job 38-41; Isaiah 40; Revelation 4-5. • Reflect aloud: “Lord, You are…” naming each attribute you see. • Let creation preach—watch a sunrise, gaze at the night sky (Psalm 19:1). 2. Remember the Cross • 1 Peter 1:18-19 links reverent fear with the cost of our redemption. • Daily thank Him for the blood of Christ; awe grows when we see what our salvation cost. 3. Practice Quick Obedience • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Start the day asking, “What clear step of obedience is before me?” then act before excuses take root. 4. Speak His Name with Weight • Psalm 34:11—“Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” • Guard casual or flippant talk about God. • Share testimonies of His faithfulness; celebrating His works deepens reverence. 5. Welcome Loving Discipline • Proverbs 3:11-12 reminds us His correction flows from love. • When conviction comes, thank Him, repent quickly, and adjust course. 6. Cultivate Dependence Through Prayer and Fasting • Regular fasting humbles the soul (Psalm 35:13). • Praying Scripture realigns our hearts under His authority. 7. Keep Eternity in View • 2 Corinthians 5:10—“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” • A daily glance at the Judgment Seat sobers decisions and fuels worship. Practical Checkpoints • Do my choices today show that God’s opinion matters most? • Is my sin confessed and forsaken quickly? • Am I more astonished by grace this week than last? Living It Out Together • Invite a trusted believer to ask you regularly, “How are you walking in the fear of the LORD?” • Celebrate answered prayer and corrected paths in your family or small group. • Sing hymns that exalt His holiness (“Holy, Holy, Holy,” “Behold Our God”) to keep a reverent atmosphere in the home. Psalm 147:11 promises His delight rests on those who walk this way. Day by day, awe and hope grow side by side—honoring Him and steadying us. |
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