FEAR THE LORD
March 22, 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, 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 opened 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 Officers 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]
hahaha this makes me smile. I would be soo like; “umm here comes God, am i smiling, what am i thinking, have i been nice, what did i do yesturday? lol This was good thank you!