Word Study For Today: The Book Of Psalm Chapter 53.
Devotion: WHOM SHALL I FEAR?
Text: Exodus 1:7-21. | 1 Kings 18:1-16. | Malachi 3:16-18.
FEAR? Why should I fear? Scripture says >…BLESSED are those who FEAR THE LORD…”[Psalm 112:1b NIV]
To be blessed is to be divinely or supremely favored; to be fortunate; joyful; and prosperous. The Psalmist’s submission is that those who FEAR the Lord, are BLESSED. To become blessed therefore, fear is the pathway. Really? The general notion of fear is that it is paralytic and depressing. Well yes; but the fear in view here is such that brings about Blessing. It is not the fear as of terror, it is not the anxiety laden emotion; rather this fear as unto the Lord is the reverential awe, respect, reverence and veneration towards God. >Psalms 89:7 (NKJV)==>“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.”
>Psalms 34:9 (NLT)==>“Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.”
Those who have reverential awe and regard for God Almighty will have all they need. They lack nothing because the Lord Whom they have regard for is Lord over all things; to this end, nothing good will He withhold from those who choose to honor Him with veneration. Truly, those who fear the Lord are blessed.
To fear God is not a suggestion really, nor is it a plea, but a command from the Lord Himself. A command is not intended to be optional [and though people opt out], God awaits those who will choose to obey; little wonder blessing is attached to it.
>Deuteronomy 6:13, 24 (NLT)==>13)“You must fear the Lord your God and serve him24)And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day.”
It is expedient to take whatever is important to God very seriously. He makes commandment of what He holds dear. To fear God should and must be treated as priority. >“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!” [Psalms 111:10 NLT].
THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE FOUNDATION OF TRUE WISDOM. Those who choose to obey the commandment by fearing Him, will grow and keep growing in wisdom. As the fear of God is a pathway to blessing, so is it the foundation(beginning) of wisdom-and even ladder of growth in same.
>Psalm 25:14(NLT)==> The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.” No wonder Abraham, Moses, David and such men of old are regarded as friends of God. Are you God’s friend? FEAR HIM! Job a tried, tested and proven child of God had this to say to all humanity[not just a fraction] but to all humanity > “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”[Job28:28].
David said to Solomon his son, >Proverbs 4:5a, 6a, 7a ,8b (MSG) ==>“Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Never walk away from Wisdom 7)Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!
…Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won’t regret it; never let her go…
Solomon himself writes >“The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence]…”[Proverbs 9:10 AMP].
Solomon further says in Proverbs 14:27a(NIV)==>“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life…
Beloved, FEAR GOD! >“Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.”[Psalms 33:8 NLT].
Revere Him, Reverence Him, Venerate Him; FEAR THE LORD!
Prayer Action:
**Worship in awe the God Who is to be feared.
**Speak the language of the revered One with joy for 15 minutes.
**In your understanding, reverence the Lord God Almighty [express how in awe of Him you are].
**Pray for grace to continually FEAR THE LORD [venerating and revering Him] in obedience to His commandment.
We know you are blessed by this devotional. We appreciate your comments below as it blesses us right back and encourages others who might be reading this, anywhere in the world. Shalom.
