What does "fear Him" in Job 37:24 mean for daily Christian living? The Text in Focus “Therefore, men fear Him; He is not concerned about any who are wise in heart.” (Job 37:24) What “Fear” Means • The Hebrew yārēʼ carries the sense of reverent awe, trembling respect, and humble submission. • It is not terror that drives us from God, but worshipful awe that draws us to Him (cf. Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7). • In Job 37, Elihu points to God’s thunder, lightning, snow, and whirlwind to show the sheer magnitude of the Creator. The only sane response is humble fear. Why Holy Fear Still Matters • God’s character never changes (Malachi 3:6). The God who shook Job’s world still reigns over ours. • Jesus affirms this posture: “Do not fear those who kill the body… rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). • New-covenant believers are told to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12-13). Practical Expressions of Holy Fear 1. Daily Worship – Start each morning by acknowledging His majesty (Psalm 95:6). – Read Scripture aloud; let its authority set the tone for the day. 2. Humble Obedience – Filter choices through “Would this honor the Lord I revere?” – Quick confession when convicted (1 John 1:9). 3. Careful Speech – Speak of God with weight, never flippantly (Ecclesiastes 5:2). – Guard against harsh or idle words toward others made in His image (James 3:9-10). 4. Stewardship of Time and Resources – Plan schedules around corporate worship and private devotion. – Give generously, treating money as His, not ours (Proverbs 3:9-10). 5. Evangelistic Courage – Fear of God frees from fear of man (Acts 4:19-20). – Share the gospel plainly, trusting Him with results. 6. Vigilant Purity – “Let us cleanse ourselves… perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). – Use media filters, accountability, and Scripture memory to guard the heart. Blessings That Flow from Godly Fear • Wisdom for life decisions (Proverbs 9:10). • Deepened intimacy: “The LORD confides in those who fear Him” (Psalm 25:14). • Steadfast assurance: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7). • Corporate strengthening: “The church… walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, multiplied” (Acts 9:31). • Unshakable kingdom perspective: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). Guardrails Against Unhealthy Fear • Remember God’s fatherly love (1 John 4:18). • Rest in Christ’s completed work (Romans 8:1). • Balance awe with bold access: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). Living It Out Today Holy fear is the settled, heart-level recognition that God alone is God, and we are gladly His. Start each day in worshipful awe, continue in obedient faith, and end with thankful rest—aware that the same Lord who commands the whirlwind also numbers every hair on your head. |
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