What does "fear You" in 2 Chronicles 6:31 mean for believers today? Setting the Scene 2 Chronicles 6 records Solomon’s dedication prayer for the newly built temple. In verse 31 he asks the Lord to “hear from heaven… so that they may fear You and walk in Your ways all the days they live in the land You gave to our fathers”. Solomon links “fear” with an obedient lifestyle sprung from genuine reverence for God. Defining “Fear You” • “Fear” (Hebrew yārē’) carries the sense of reverential awe, honor, and humble submission, not panic-driven dread. • Exodus 20:20: “Do not be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him will be with you to keep you from sinning.” • Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • True fear recognizes God’s unmatched holiness, power, and authority while trusting His covenant love. Key Elements of Godly Fear • Awe at God’s majesty and sovereignty. • Hatred of sin and a desire to turn from it. • Obedience that flows from respect rather than mere duty. • Trust in His character—knowing He keeps promises and judges righteously. • Deep love that refuses to treat Him casually (Deuteronomy 10:12–13). Applications for Believers Today • Worship with reverence: approach gatherings, Scripture, and sacraments mindful that God is present (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Make decisions through the lens of honoring God, not pleasing self or culture (Psalm 34:11-14). • Serve with integrity, recognizing that God “alone knows every human heart” (2 Chronicles 6:30). • Confess sin quickly; the fear of the Lord keeps hearts tender (1 John 1:9). • Share the gospel boldly, remembering Acts 9:31—“walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the church continued to increase.” Practical Steps to Cultivate Holy Fear • Daily Scripture intake—seeing God’s character raises reverence. • Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • Deliberate remembrance of God’s past faithfulness. • Fellowship with believers who model holy awe. • Silence and solitude before God, allowing His greatness to settle on the heart. 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). • Enduring love: “But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s loving devotion is with those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:17). • Strong confidence: “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and His children will have a refuge” (Proverbs 14:26). Living in the New Covenant Perspective Jesus perfectly embodied holy fear (Isaiah 11:3). Through His sacrifice we draw near with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), yet the call to reverent fear remains: • 1 Peter 1:17: “Conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.” • Revelation 14:7: “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come.” The Spirit empowers believers to balance love and reverence, intimacy and awe. Conclusion: Walking in His Ways For believers today, “fear You” in 2 Chronicles 6:31 invites a life that treasures God’s holiness, trusts His heart, and translates reverence into daily obedience. This holy fear is not restrictive but freeing—aligning hearts with the One whose paths lead to true life and blessing. |
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