From Sanctuary by David Jeremiah
How to Fear God
Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. – 1 Samuel 1 2:24
In July 1861, in an act declaring September 26 as a National Day of Prayer and Fasting, Abraham Lincoln wrote: “It is fit and becoming in all people, at all times, to acknowledge and revere the Supreme Government of God; to bow in humble submission to his chastisement; to confess and deplore their sins and transgressions in the full conviction that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. . . .”
That may be one of the best summaries ever penned of what it means to “fear the Lord.” Note the action words: “to acknowledge . . . revere . . . bow . . . confess and deplore.” To fear the Lord means more than just one thing. Indeed, it is a phrase that gathers together a number of attitudes and actions. In short, when we fear the Lord, we recognize God’s proper place as Creator over us, His creation. If someone followed us around for a week, what evidence would they see that we fear the Lord? Which would they hear most—grumbles or gratitude, complaints or compassion?
A nation that fears the Lord is one whose citizens fear the Lord. Plan a “Personal Day of Prayer and Fasting” soon— a day to reaffirm your own fear of the Lord.
Order your own copy of How to Fear God
Experience Hope Through Jesus
Written in the same style as Jesus Calling®, Jesus Today™contains all-new devotions for a hope-filled walk with God. Born out of missionary Sarah Young’s own trials, Jesus Today shows that hope shines brightest in adversity. Grow in grace, hear from God, and walk with Jesus Today.