How can we cultivate a reverent fear of God in our lives? The Moment That Shook David “David feared the LORD that day and asked, ‘How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?’ ” (2 Samuel 6:9) Uzzah’s sudden death jolted Israel into remembering that the God who dwells between the cherubim is not to be handled casually. The same awakening is vital for us today. Why Godly Fear Matters • Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Hebrews 12:28-29—“Let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • Psalm 111:10—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” When we lose holy fear, we lose the doorway to wisdom, worship, and obedient living. Seeing His Holiness Clearly 1. Gaze at His revealed character • Isaiah 6:3—“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts.” • Revelation 4:8 echoes the same anthem. Reading these scenes slowly cultivates trembling wonder. 2. Recall His righteous judgments • Acts 5:1-11—Ananias and Sapphira remind the church that deceit in God’s presence is deadly serious. • Numbers 16:31-35—Korah’s rebellion shows the cost of challenging God’s order. 3. Meditate on the cross • Romans 8:32—If the Father did not spare His own Son, He will not take sin lightly in us. The cross displays love and unbending justice together. Living Out a Reverent Fear Daily • Submit to Scripture immediately—treat every command as non-negotiable (James 1:22). • Worship thoughtfully—sing, pray, and listen as though standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). • Guard your tongue—speak of God with honor; avoid flippant jokes or oaths (Matthew 12:36). • Practice public integrity—live transparently so the unseen God is honored even when no one else watches (Colossians 3:22-24). • Confess sin quickly—keep short accounts, trusting 1 John 1:9. • Remember future accountability—2 Corinthians 5:10 keeps today’s choices weighty. • Celebrate grace without presumption—Hebrews 4:16 invites bold access, yet 12:28 insists on awe. Keep both truths side by side. The Blessing of Holy Fear Those who fear Him find: • Deep knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:5). • Strong confidence (Proverbs 14:26). • Divine friendship (Psalm 25:14). • Enduring satisfaction (Proverbs 19:23). Uzzah’s tragedy and David’s trembling question urge us to cultivate reverence. As we behold God’s holiness, obey His Word, and walk humbly under the cross, a healthy, joyful fear takes root—drawing us nearer, never pushing us away. |
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