Topic: The Blessings of Fearing God
Bible Reading: Psalm 128-131; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40.
Memory Verse: “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. [2] For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” Psalm 128:1-2 KJV
Fear of God refers to a reverential awe and respect for God’s power, authority and holiness. It involves deep appreciation of God’s nature, desire to live in accordance with His will and a recognition of His sovereignty.
If you truly fear God, you will be motivated to respect His commandments and strive to live in accordance with His will by avoiding sin and seeking to please him always. This is the reason why the Hebrew midwives did not hearken to the King of Egypt when he said they should kill the male and save the female children of the Hebrew women at birth. The Bible says in Exodus 1:17 KJV “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.”
Similarly the fear of God serves as a deterrrent against sinful behaviour, as you recognize the potential consequences of disobedience and the importance of living a righteous life. This is why Joseph refused to have canal knowledge of his master’s wife inspite of her luring him. His response captures this vividly: “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” ( Gen 39:9 KJV). Also fear of God fosters deeper love and appreciation for Him, leading to more heartfelt worship and a desire to draw closer to Him. You will find yourself praising God all the time as you desire to dwell continually in his presence.
Certainly the fear of God has several blessings for anyone involved. It gives you knowledge ( Proverbs 1:7) and wisdom ( Proverbs 9:10) because you will study the word of God regularly and you will acquire so much knowledge and their application from such study. This will give you understanding and discernment. It brings you mercy and favour of God ( Psalm 147:11). It brings prosperity. Proverbs 22:4 KJV says “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” Our memory verse, Psalm 128:1-2 KJV states “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. [2] For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” Also the fear of God brings about divine protection for you and your household ( proverbs 14:26). It helps you to avoid evil as we saw in the case of Joseph. It brings about a deeper relationship with God and this will make God to reveal His secrets and confide in you as was the case with Abraham in Genesis 18:17-19 KJV “And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; [18] Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? [19] For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Thus you will know what others do not know by divine revelations. Finally, it leads to long life. This is stated in Proverbs 10:27 KJV “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.”
Prayer point:
Father, help me to fear You at all times.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero