What role does "fear of You" play in a Christian's daily life? Setting the Scene “Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.” (Psalm 86:11) What “Fear of You” Means • Not terror that drives us away, but reverent awe that draws us close. • Recognition of God’s absolute holiness, authority, and power. • A settled attitude that His opinion outweighs every other voice in life. Daily Benefits of Living in God-fearing Awe • Integrity: an “undivided heart” guards us from double-mindedness (James 1:8). • Wisdom: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). • Protection from sin: fearing God more than people keeps us from compromise (Exodus 20:20). • Deeper intimacy: awe does not cool love; it intensifies it (Psalm 25:14). • Joy and security: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7). How Fear of God Shapes Ordinary Moments Morning decisions • Choosing Scripture before scrolling—honoring His voice first. • Committing the schedule to His priority list, not just personal goals. Work and relationships • Speaking truthfully because He hears every word (Colossians 3:23-24). • Treating others with dignity, remembering they bear His image (Genesis 1:27). Private thought life • Rejecting hidden sin, knowing “His eyes are on the ways of a man” (Job 34:21). • Cultivating gratitude—He is near and deserves continual thanks (Psalm 118:4). Times of trouble • Confidence rises: “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence” (Proverbs 14:26). • Fear of circumstances shrinks when awe of God grows (Isaiah 41:10). Growing an Undivided Heart 1. Daily Scripture intake—letting God “teach His way.” 2. Regular self-examination—asking whether any loyalty rivals Him. 3. Immediate confession when conviction comes (1 John 1:9). 4. Worship—singing and speaking of His greatness realigns priorities. The Lifelong Outcome • Stability: a house built on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25). • Fruitfulness: “Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways” (Psalm 128:1). • Eternal perspective: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Living each day in reverent awe fulfills the prayer of Psalm 86:11—undivided hearts, steady steps in truth, and lives that honor His name. |
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