Exodus 20:20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
There are three kinds of fear – human or natural fear, demonic fear and holy fear. Fear is that natural inbuilt defensive mechanism of the body whereby the brain sends signals to the body to alert or prepare for danger. Fear is a warning signal against danger. Demonic fear is a fear phobia that keeps us incarcerated to dread and can lead to disturbing dreams, despair and even depression. On the contrary, ‘Fear of the Lord’ keeps us from the danger of falling into sin, transgressions, iniquity and curses.
Fear of the Lord will lead you to choose to think and meditate on what pleases God, speak what would glorify Him and do only what will make Him proud. Fear of the Lord will keep us from wallowing in unhealthy negative, demeaning and discouraging thoughts. We will bring our thoughts under the obedience of Jesus’ meaning, we will actively destroy unconstructive thought patterns. The fear of the Lord will put a bridle in our tongue and the cords of love around our hands to speak and do what Jesus would.
As a father would defend his family, the Lord God preserved Israel. “Israel is My son, my firstborn” (Exodus 4:22). As a mother would care for her child He nurtured the nation of Israel. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13). But when the Lord appeared in His might and power the children of Israel shuddered. When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance (Exodus 20:18). Moses comforted them saying, God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
Reverential Fear of God keeps us from sinning:
1. Inspect: Examine the Word of God to comprehend God as a comrade as well as a champion. Scrutinize and study the Word to delve deeper into His power, might and glory to be in awe of His splendor but at the same time to be able to trust Him as a Father.
2. Introspect: Self-examine yourself. Introspect your thoughts, tongue and testimony. Introspection and questioning will dislodge unhealthy thoughts and tame the tongue. We will never speak unwholesome words or self proclaimed curses if we have the fear of the Lord. Fear of the Lord keeps us from complaining, winging and cribbing. Fear of God puts praise on our heart and lips.
3. Respect: Fear of God will bring respect and reverence to the King of Kings. The love and respect we have for the Lord will keep us from sinning, cynicism and unhealthy critical comments.
Fear of the Lord keeps us from sinning.
Proverbs 16:6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
Prayer: Father God, I love you more than any of my needs,wants or desires. Teach me to flee from sinning. Amen
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