FEAR THE LORD
January 28, 2019
Prayer: Lord help us to fear God so that we may have a long life.
Scripture: These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Deuteronomy 6:1-2 NIV
I love that God teaches and loves me in very simple, understandable lessons. One concept I had been pondering was the fear of God. I had come to understand that it is not a runaway kind of fear but a respectful, submissive response to Him and His Mightiness. I was really searching for a pertinent example when I passed a Police Officer driving down the road. My first response was to; you guessed it, check my speed to make sure I was not breaking any laws. I do not make it a habit of speeding but got worried that I had not been paying attention like I should have while pondering and praying as I drove. Yes, you can relax, I do pray with my eyes open when I drive.
I was not speeding, and then I felt this strange sense of safety knowing the officer had just patrolled that area and was only a short ways off if I were to need him. I knew God had answered my prayer to help me understand what it meant to fear Him. Just as with the Police Officer; if I was breaking the law or being disobedient to God’s commands, I should be afraid, very afraid. I know that if I could physically see God pass me on the road I would do a quick check of my life to see if I was doing anything in violation of His will that could get me pulled over. Of course, I cannot see God but He sees me and everything I do. If I do not take a close look at my life daily, confess my sins and change my ways, eventually God will intervene. If I choose to run from Him I will become imprisoned by my sinful choices. A healthy respect for God and His ways will keep me in check.
In the same way, if I am operating my life within God’s will and commands for my life, I can have a strong sense of peace and protection knowing that He is watching me and watching out for me even more so than our Police Officer do. I can live with a sense of security knowing that God is keeping His eye on me and is as close as a prayer if I feel the need to call for Him or just want to thank Him. He goes before me and behind me; I am hemmed in with His love and protection.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]
Yes and amen!