Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day for you and me is a gift, so let’s cherish it.
When we read through the Old Testament, we quickly notice that many of the stories reveal the importance of the fear of God—the reverence and respect people had for Him. We also see the consequences when that reverence is absent.
One of the stories that made it to the book was of Cain throwing a tantrum, and God personally addressed Cain and warned him about the danger that was growing in his heart.
Imagine that—not his father or mother, but God Himself warned him. Yet Cain chose not to listen. His lack of reverence for God’s warning affected his relationship with his brother and ultimately led him to commit murder.
This raises an important question for us today: What warnings are we ignoring because we think we can handle things on our own?
Psalm 36:1 (NLT)
Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all.
As sovereign as God is, He still gives us the freedom to choose whether we will fear Him or not. However, when reverence for God is absent, we become more susceptible to listening to the voice of sin.
One thing I have discovered is that reverence for God is not demonstrated only in major life decisions. It often appears in small, everyday choices. Likewise, a lack of reverence is usually revealed in the little things before it becomes visible in the bigger things.
Consider the people in Noah’s day. Many of them were not necessarily committing violent crimes. They were simply living their normal lives.
Matthew 24:38 (NLT)
“People were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat.”
The warning was there. Noah’s obedience was there. The opportunity to respond was there. But reverence for God was not.
When we embody the fear of God, it influences our decisions, our attitudes, and our relationships. The fear of God serves as a guide that helps us make choices that honor Him, even when those choices are difficult.
Joseph is a powerful example of this. When Potiphar’s wife tried to entice him into sin, Joseph chose to fear God rather than satisfy his immediate desires. At that moment, it seemed as though his decision had ruined his life. He was falsely accused and imprisoned. Yet God had a greater plan in mind. What looked like a setback became part of God’s preparation for Joseph’s purpose.
The fear of God may not always lead to immediate comfort, but it will always lead us closer to God’s will. And when our decisions are guided by reverence for God, we position ourselves to experience His wisdom, protection, and direction in our relationships and in every area of life.
Takeaway
The fear of God is not about being terrified of Him; it is about honoring Him enough to take His Word, His warnings, and His guidance seriously. When reverence for God is present, it shapes our choices and protects our relationships. Before making decisions, responding in anger, or following our own desires, let us ask ourselves: “Am I acting with the fear of God?” A heart that reveres God will hear His warnings, trust His direction, and walk in His ways.
Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Ameni!
Amen ooo
That’s right. Gospel Sir