Reverent Fear

I remember growing up straight scared of God. I felt like He would destroy me like squashing an ant. I was very afraid of hell. I had the fear of God instilled in me for sure. It was until my freshman year of college that I had a strong faith in God. Fear is a strong motivator, but I’m not sure it’s a good motivator. A coach that screams at his team in motivating them is not as effective as one who has cultivated a healthy relationship with his players and earned their respect and trust.

I am now an older adult (not even middle-aged!) and I follow the Lord out of faith more than fear. I am clearly aware of His Power and all the He is capable of, but the more I read His Word, the more I see His heart. He is not out to scare people to repentance, His is trying to win the hearts of people with His heart of love.

King David pens a Psalm asking the Lord to help with those whose words are destructive and harmful. The Lord shows up to defend the king. Check this out….

² Hide me from the plots of this evil mob,
    from this gang of wrongdoers.
³ They sharpen their tongues like swords
    and aim their bitter words like arrows.
⁴ They shoot from ambush at the innocent,
    attacking suddenly and fearlessly.

⁷ But God himself will shoot them with his arrows,
    suddenly striking them down.
⁸ Their own tongues will ruin them,
    and all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
⁹ Then everyone will be afraid;
    they will proclaim the mighty acts of God
    and realize all the amazing things he does.
¹⁰ The godly will rejoice in the Lord
    and find shelter in him.
And those who do what is right
    will praise him. (Psalm 64:2-4,7-10 NLT)

I am keenly aware of what God is capable of. He is the Creator of all that I see and know. He can use His Power to punish or destroy the enemy. He can also use His Power to shape and build lives. He loved the world so much that He allowed His Own Son to be the final sacrifice for sin. Jesus’ name is above every name because of what He did and Who He is. He created a way for direct access to Creator God. He delivered grace when He died on the cross. He delivered forgiveness on the cross. The Lord is known more for His forgiveness and grace than His discipline and punishment.  His love draws me to Him. His patience with me reveals His heart.  His Word reveals everything I need to know of Him yet walking out my faith reveals more of Who He is. I follow the Lord more out of faith than fear.

Pressing On!

Dwayne