How can we "fear the LORD" in our daily lives today? Setting the Scene: Samuel’s Charge 1 Samuel 12:14 says, “If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice and do not rebel against the LORD’s command, then both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God.” Samuel calls Israel—and us—to four linked actions: fear, serve, obey, and refuse rebellion. Genuine fear of God always leads to the other three. What Does “Fear the LORD” Mean? • A deep, reverent awe of His holiness and power (Psalm 33:8). • A wholehearted submission to His authority (Proverbs 3:5-7). • A healthy dread of displeasing Him, coupled with assurance of His steadfast love (Psalm 130:3-4). Daily Practices that Display Godly Fear • Start each morning acknowledging His sovereignty. Read a short passage (e.g., Psalm 25) and thank Him for the coming day. • Let Scripture be the final word in every decision. Before acting, ask, “Does this align with God’s revealed will?” (James 1:22-25). • Speak His name with honor. Avoid casual or empty references to God (Exodus 20:7). • Guard private thought life. Reverence continues when no one is watching (Hebrews 4:13). • Choose integrity in work and finances. “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil” (Proverbs 15:16). • Cultivate gratitude. Recognize every provision as His gracious gift (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Honor the gathered church. Regular, joyful worship displays collective awe (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Show mercy to others. “The fear of the LORD leads to life” that overflows in compassion (Proverbs 19:23). Warnings to Avoid • Treating sin lightly—Samuel links rebellion to rejecting God Himself (1 Samuel 15:23). • Compartmentalizing faith—God must not be limited to Sunday or devotional moments (Colossians 3:17). • Seeking human approval over divine approval (Galatians 1:10). Promises Linked to Godly Fear • Guidance: “Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose” (Psalm 25:12). • 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). • Intimacy: “The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear Him” (Psalm 25:14). Encouragement to Persevere Godly fear is not a one-time decision but an ongoing posture. Stay sensitive to the Spirit, quick to repent, and eager to obey. As we consistently fear the LORD, we experience the blessing Samuel promised: a life aligned with our King, walking closely with “the LORD your God.” |
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