I sat in the sanctuary trembling.

The man standing at the pulpit reading the Word was not my pastor. My pastor had fallen into sin, and now all around me people wept. As a church family, we collectively lifted our broken hearts to our holy God and held fast to His unchanging promises on a day when the enemy tried to undo us.

People may fail me, but God is faithful.

When we do not fear God, we open up our lives to destruction. Fear of people is wrong, but it is healthy to tremble in the presence of a holy God.

To fear God means to:

  • Seek His wisdom because we acknowledge our own foolishness apart from His truth.

The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lordand acknowledging the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

  • Exalt Him with a humble heart in awe of His goodness and glory.

The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor comes humility.(Proverbs 15:33)

  • Follow His commands wholeheartedly out of a sincere desire to please Him above all else.

Come children. Listen to me. I will teach you what it means to fear the LordDo you want to really live? Would you love to live a long, happy life? Then make sure you don’t speak evil words or use deceptive speech. Turn away from evil and do what is right. Strive for peace and promote it. (Psalm 34:11-14)

When we choose to fear God, we love Him with all of our heart, mind, and strength. We passionately seek what pleases Him, and we run far away from what He hates. Fearing God is a daily decision to fully submit every area of our lives to Him.

The enemy of our souls wants us to imagine God in heaven as an angry dictator who wants to rob us of our joy and make our lives boring and empty. That is a lie from the pit of hell.

Let’s look into the Word to discover the truth:

Truth #1: God is a life giver, not a thief. He is a refuge to those who put their trust in Him.

In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and it will be a refuge for his children. The fear of the Lord is like a life-giving fountain, to turn people from deadly snares.(Proverbs 14:26-27)

Truth #2: Lives yielded to God are full, not fruitless. Surrender always leads to greater strength and vitality.

Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body, and refreshment to your inner self.” (Proverbs 3:7-8)

A trembling trust in God will safeguard your life. Whatever may come today, He holds it all in His mighty hands.

May this prayer rise up from our hearts each morning: Lord, help me to tremble at Your Word today. Amen

 

Lyli Dunbar

Lyli Dunbar

Lyli Dunbar enjoys singing silly karaoke in the car with her husband, digging into Bible study with the girls, and reading twelve books at a time. A writer, speaker, and Biblical Life Coach, her mission is to encourage the weary hearted with fuel for a wildfire faith.

Grab a journal, build a community,
change women's lives.

Shop our Bible study for women, Triumph Over Trials: 1 & 2 Peter!

Thanks! Make sure you like our Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest pages - and let us know if you'd like to get involved with sharing God's Word with women globally!

Pin It on Pinterest