SOUNDING OUT:
Fear the Lord
We just sent about a hundred youth home, with the
fire of God in their souls. It was a delightsome adventure working
with them and seeing first hand their love for God and each other.
Their eagerness to operate the power of God was encouraging, and
the closing campfire sharings revealed how they operated the power
of God to bless one another.
Our theme was “Fear not!” Kevin Guigou closed
camp teaching us to “Fear Not to Fear God.” He shared
great truths about how vital our reverence and respect for God
is. The SMF tape will bless you, I’m sure. It certainly
has got me thinking.
What does it mean to fear the Lord? It means to treat Him
as God; to give Him total respect, to honor Him, to stand in awe
of His greatness. When we fear the Lord, whatever He says, we’ll
do. When we learn something from His Word, we implement it immediately.
We’re quick to make changes knowing He is God and knows
better than we do.
Psalm 34:9:
O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that
fear him.
Saints who fear the Lord have no
want. No want! That's huge. When our reverence for God is where
it should be, our every need will be met. When Israel followed
Him, there was no lack in the whole nation. They were strong.
They were prosperous. They were victorious in battle. There was
no sickness or disease among them.
God has no problem backing up His Word. It is “Yea!”
and “Amen!” It absolutely comes to pass as we believe.
He is more than able to provide what He has promised to His people.
When we treat Him as the Most High God; when we recognize that
He is the Lord God Almighty we allow Him to work on our behalf.
God knows exactly what we need, and He is able to deliver
it. He is still a God of might and miracles; and His power continues
to meet the needs of His believing people day by day. He hasn't
forgotten how to part the Red Sea, to rain manna from heaven,
to supply water in the dessert, to calm the seas of life. He never
changes. He's loyal to them who are loyal to Him.
II Chronicles 16:9a:
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,
to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect
toward him…
That
word “perfect” doesn't mean one who doesn't make mistakes.
It means one who completes or fulfills covenants or commitments.
It means someone who is loyal. God isn't simply able to deliver
us, He wants to. His ability and willingness work together. He is
constantly searching for opportunities to show Himself strong on
our behalf!
However, He won't force it on us. We have to fear Him, give
Him total respect, and honor Him. If you want to enjoy the presence
and power of God, you will have to want it enough to recognize and
treat Him as the Most High, as the Lord God Almighty. He is able
to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Just
what do we think of Him? What do we ask?
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