Why Fearing God Is Important
Fearing God is important because it enables us to have a more profound revelation of His presence. The fear of the Lord is mentioned all throughout the Bible. It is a critical part of our relationship with God.
Fearing God Defined
Let’s define what it is to “fear the Lord”. To fear the Lord is not to be afraid of God. It is to have a heart posture of reverence, honor and respect toward Him. It is to honor God’s Word and ways above everything else.
The fear of the Lord is an attitude of the heart that produces obedience to God.
The fear of the Lord leads us to understand who God really is, therefore enabling us to worship and enjoy Him fully.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Benefits of Fearing God
Proverbs 16:6
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord is avoided.
Proverbs 22:4
Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.
Psalm 128:1
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him.
Hebrews 12:28
…let us be thankful, and worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…
2 Chronicles 19:9
…You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord.
Psalm 25:14
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
Psalm 91:9-10
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.”
As we've explored, fearing God is not outdated for us. It opens up profound blessings, including wisdom, refuge and deeper connection with God. When we choose to revere the Lord, it transforms every area of life.
Revering God Meaning
What exactly does it mean to "revere" God? To revere is to honor with an awed respect. It's valuing who God is and all He says above anyone or anything else.
Revering the Lord is not being scared of God. Rather, it's adopting a heart attitude of awe, esteem and obedience toward Him. It leads us to prize God's Word and ways first and foremost.
When we revere God, it produces action. Our honor and value for God overflow into listening to and following His guidance. Reverence moves us to align our lives to what pleases our Maker. Like Proverbs 16:6 says, through revering God we avoid sin.
Revering the Lord also enables us to fully worship and enjoy closeness with God. It makes us want to know Him more deeply. The more we understand His greatness, the more we appreciate and adore Him. Psalm 25:14 tells us God shares secrets and makes promises known to those who revere Him.
Benefits of Revering God
Wisdom - Only through honoring God do we gain true understanding and clear perspective to guide our days (Proverbs 1:7).
Humility - Recognizing God's might and worth foster healthy humility in us (Proverbs 22:4).
Obedience - Reverence moves us to listen to and follow God's good ways (Psalm 128:1).
True Worship - Honoring God's supreme value enables us to worship Him as He deserves (Hebrews 12:28).
Faithfulness - Esteeming God motivates us to serve Him wholeheartedly in all we do (2 Chronicles 19:9).
Security - Those who take refuge in the Almighty discover safety and peace (Psalm 91:9-10).
Do these incredible benefits motivate us to revere God more? Consider again the power and love of the One who holds the universe together by His voice. How could we not erupt in awe of Him?
God invites us to intimately know Him, yet He remains far above our comprehension. When glimpsing His glory and goodness, we can only fall to our knees. Yet in His grace, He calls us friends and beloved children. To live aware of these soaring truths is to revere God always.
As we reflect on revering our glorious Maker, what shifts might God be inviting us to make? May we increasingly prize Him above all else! There is no greater honor than revering the Lord our God with all we are.