Through the Bible: PsalmsSample

Fear of the Lord Brings Life

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise. (Psalm 111:10 NIV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. (Hebrews 12:28 NKJV)

I recalled the early days of my faith walk in Christ. Back then my relationship with God was something I felt I had to earn, striving to be a "good Christian," governed religiously by fear that I may lose the approval of His grace upon any failings. But God graciously opened my spiritual understanding, through His words, to comprehend the finished work of grace through Christ on the cross. I am set free to worship the One whose covenantal love is over me. 

The "fear of the Lord" is born out of the seed of God’s perfected love, not out of trepid fear of Him. Just like David, a man after God's heart, whose revelatory love of God drew him to worship God in thoughts and actions, with reverence and godly fear, desiring His presence, the priceless treasure above all. As Christians, we are set free to thrive, growing from a place of godly guidance, living life big in Christ who dwells in us and works through us. His Kingdom cannot be shaken.

Prayer

Abba Father, thank You for Your covenantal love. May our lives respond in love and worship, and be a fragrance to You. May our spirit be contrite and teachable so we can walk with Kingdom wisdom each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen