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Appropriate Fear

For most coaches in the NBA, fear is not something they hope to see in their players. But for Phoenix Suns head coach, Monty Williams, not all fear is to be considered a bad thing.

When asked about this chosen message for his team before the start of a difficult playoff series, Williams said, “We just talked about appropriate fear. When you put the stats up on the screen and show the guys, you have to have what we call the appropriate fear. And that allows you to bring your ‘A’ game every time you step on the floor. It’s just a high level of respect.”

I love this message because it was thoughtfully used to empower the Suns to keep the proper posture and mindset during each game they played.

In our relationship with God, “appropriate fear” and a “high level of respect” are attitudes we should also display. We don’t have to be scared of God, but rather our “appropriate fear” demonstrates we acknowledge He is all-powerful, just, holy, sovereign, and majestic.

“Appropriate fear” gives us the proper posture and mindset regarding His character as we take our requests to Him in prayer.

By having humility and maintaining “appropriate fear,” we respect and honor Him for who He is instead of simply approaching Him for what He can do. This fills us with praise, gratitude, and awe.

Psalm 34:9 declares, “Fear the Lord, you, His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need.”

Today, as we think about the Suns having “appropriate fear,” let’s be reminded, “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm” (Proverbs 19:23).

Let’s also remember, “The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to have the appropriate fear of You. You are worthy of my praise and I stand in awe of Your goodness. Thank You for loving me and showing me grace and mercy. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.