Day 23 – Read Proverbs 23
The Joy of Fearing God
The joy of fearing God? Is that a contradiction?
Years ago, I was discouraged and confused about what the "fear of God" meant. Now, I'm learning how we can possess, as Author Jerry Bridges writes, "the joy of fearing God." Since God delights in those who fear Him, and the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7 NLT), here are four life-giving truths that are vital to our daily lives.
1. Live with “filial” fear of God.
"Servile fear" is what we experience when we try to please a harsh master or have believed God intends to harm us. But "filial fear," as Jerry Brides writes, is, “The loving fear of a child toward his father.” Pastor Sinclair Ferguson writes, “This fear is a mixture of reverence, fear, pleasure, joy, and awe which fills our hearts when we realize who God is and what He has done for us.” Live with "filial fear," and its aroma will sweeten all your relationships.
Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD. – Proverbs 23:17 NLT
2. Live with joyful awe.
Whatever is remarkable and awe-inspiring will draw the attention of our hearts. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 47:1-2, “Shout to God with joyful praise! For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the Great King of all the earth” (NLT). He had a joyful awe of God, delighted in the fear of the Lord, and was able to have a positive impact on people.
3. Respect God’s loving discipline.
Children who have a healthy respect for their father’s discipline, rather than fear of it, make healthy choices. Instead of fearing God’s “spiritual spankings,” He prefers that we obey Him out of love for Him. Model this for your family and watch them gain greater confidence.
4. Live with greater trust.
Living with that "filial fear" helps us trust God better because, “the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love and forgiveness” (Psalm 33:18; 130:4 NLT). When we trust God’s love for us and His grace to us even when we sin, our reverence for Him increases.
Dig Deeper
1. List ways you can remove a harmful fear of God from your life. What can you start getting rid of today?
2. In what ways can you develop a "filial fear" of God? How can you take your healthy fear of God and empower others with that perspective?
