Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Fear God

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The concept of fearing God is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is often associated with receiving answers to prayer. The fear of God, in this context, is not about being afraid but rather having a profound reverence, respect, and awe for the Almighty. This reverence is reflected in obedience, worship, and a lifestyle that honors God. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how those who fear God are recipients of His attentive ear and responsive hand.

Biblical Foundation

1. Psalm 145:19 · "He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them." This verse encapsulates the promise that God is attentive to the prayers of those who hold Him in reverence. The fear of God aligns the believer's desires with God's will, leading to answered prayers.

2. Proverbs 15:29 · "The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." The righteous, those who live in the fear of the Lord, are assured that their prayers are heard. This verse contrasts the distance between God and the wicked with His nearness to the righteous, emphasizing the importance of a reverent relationship with God.

3. Acts 10:1-4 · The account of Cornelius, a centurion described as "a devout man who feared God," illustrates this principle. Cornelius's prayers and alms were noted by God, leading to a divine visitation and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon him and his household. His fear of God positioned him to receive a significant answer to prayer.

Characteristics of Those Who Fear God

1. Obedience · Those who fear God demonstrate their reverence through obedience to His commandments. This obedience is not out of compulsion but out of love and respect for God's authority. As seen in Deuteronomy 10:12, fearing God involves walking in His ways and serving Him with all one's heart and soul.

2. Humility · A humble heart is a hallmark of those who fear God. Isaiah 66:2 states, "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word." Humility before God opens the door to His favor and the answering of prayers.

3. Righteous Living · The fear of God leads to a life of righteousness. Proverbs 14:27 describes the fear of the Lord as "a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." Righteous living, born out of reverence for God, aligns believers with His purposes and makes their prayers effective.

Examples from Scripture

1. Daniel · Daniel is a prime example of one who feared God and received answers to prayer. His unwavering commitment to prayer, even in the face of persecution, demonstrated his reverence for God. Daniel 6:10-11 shows his dedication to prayer, and God responded by delivering him from the lions' den.

2. Hannah · In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah's fervent prayer for a child was answered because of her deep reverence for God. Her vow and subsequent fulfillment of that vow to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord reflect her fear of God and trust in His faithfulness.

3. Nehemiah · Nehemiah's prayerful approach to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem is another example. His fear of God is evident in his reliance on prayer for guidance and strength. Nehemiah 1:11 records his plea for success, which God granted, enabling him to accomplish the monumental task.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently affirms that those who fear God are recipients of His attentive response to their prayers. This fear, characterized by obedience, humility, and righteousness, aligns believers with God's will, ensuring that their prayers are both heard and answered.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 145:19
He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... All the mysteries and difficulties connected with answers to prayer will ... He does
indeed answer prayer. ... when ye pray, believe that ye have received," now as you ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm

Of visions. The Graces Our Lord Bestowed on the Saint. The Answers ...
... The Answers Our Lord Gave Her for Those Who Tried ... this, and resisting them, the graces
I received were multiplied ... I never ceased to be in prayer: even during ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxix of visions the.htm

The Fulton St. Prayer Meeting.
... When the call came for those desiring prayers, I ... speaker said at one meeting, "God
answers prayer in temporal ... in large quantities were received, thus verifying ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the fulton st prayer meeting.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... is renewed by the Holy Spirit, has received a new ... John gives the reason for answered
prayer in the passage ... set forth as the reason why He answers prayer, it is ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

Proving God's Faithfulness (1902-1908)
... The instances of answers to prayer, here recorded ... as we were planning for this, word
reached us from our station treasurer of a message received from the ...
/.../how i know god answers prayer/vi proving gods faithfulness 1902-1908.htm

Answers to Prayer
... himself repeatedly proved that the Lord hears and answers prayer! ... July, after coming
into camp, I received a call ... In prayer, I seemed to have great assurance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

The Consuming Fire.
... that grants a boon unwillingly; still less is it love that answers a prayer to the ...
godly fear, for our God is a consuming fire.""We have received a kingdom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the consuming fire.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... up so many prayers without receiving answers?" The apostle ... the Scriptures, confession
of sin, prayer for the ... your mind, and thanksgiving for mercies received. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Anschar, Apostle of the North.
... Anschar experienced in his laborious and perilous life, many remarkable answers
to prayer. ... sickness, he would often say with Job: "Have we received good at ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/anschar apostle of the north.htm

Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation
... the God of providence?"faith in the God who answers prayer? ... an ark, and so would
not have received the promise. ... doubt whether the Lord does hear prayer at all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 36 1890/noahs faith fear obedience and.htm