What does "delight in the fear of the LORD" mean for daily life? Setting the Scene “His delight will be in the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:3). This prophecy about Messiah doesn’t paint fear as a gloomy burden; it shows fear as the atmosphere in which joy grows. If Christ Himself delights in the fear of the LORD, that sets the pattern for us. Defining “Fear of the LORD” • Not terror that drives us away, but reverent awe that draws us close (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 34:9). • A settled conviction that God is infinitely holy, totally sovereign, and lovingly near (Deuteronomy 10:12). • The ground of true wisdom—life arranged in light of who God is (Proverbs 1:7). Delight and Fear: Two Sides of Reverence • Fear without delight breeds cold religion. • Delight without fear turns God into a mascot. • Joined together, they produce warm, sturdy worship that shapes decisions, motives, and attitudes. Everyday Expressions of Delighting in the Fear of the LORD • Prioritizing God’s voice over every other—daily Scripture intake with a listening heart (Psalm 119:111). • Quick, humble obedience instead of delayed negotiation (Psalm 112:1). • Choosing integrity when no one is watching, because He is (Proverbs 14:27). • Rejecting casual talk about sin; treating what grieves God as serious (Psalm 97:10). • Joyful worship that’s marked by both gladness and gravity—singing with a heart that knows Whom it addresses (Psalm 2:11). • Relating to people with fairness and mercy, reflecting the impartial Judge we revere (James 2:1). • Resting in God’s sovereign care, freeing us from anxious self-protection (Psalm 25:12-14). What Hinders Delight • Secret sin: nothing suffocates reverent joy faster (Psalm 66:18). • Flippant familiarity with holy things—treating worship, Scripture, or prayer as routine. • Fear of people: when their approval outweighs God’s, delight in Him fades (John 12:43). Promises Attached to God-Fearing Delight • Wisdom and guidance (Psalm 25:12). • Strong confidence for us and refuge for our children (Proverbs 14:26). • Fresh intimacy with God’s covenant secrets (Psalm 25:14). • Growth of the church and personal encouragement (Acts 9:31). • Eternal reward—“the fear of the LORD leads to life” (Proverbs 19:23). Cultivating This Delight 1. Start each day acknowledging God’s holiness—simple words like, “Lord, You are God and I am not.” 2. Read a short Psalm aloud; let Scripture set the tone. 3. Before big decisions, pause and ask, “Does this honor the Lord I revere?” 4. Keep a journal of occasions where obedience brought unexpected joy. Review it often. 5. Spend time with believers who take God seriously and enjoy Him deeply—iron sharpens iron. Closing Encouragement Delighting in the fear of the LORD is not a niche activity for monks; it’s the normal Christian life. As we treasure God’s greatness and goodness, we’ll discover the same rhythm that marked Jesus: deep awe, bright joy, and a daily walk that shows the world what it means to belong to the living God. |
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