The Blessings of Fearing the Lord
The Power of Our Personal Testimony
When I first came to faith as a follower of Jesus, I couldn’t help but tell others. Not all my friends received this well. But, as time passed, my friends and family saw the transformational change in my life as I continued to trust in the Lord.
Personal experience is powerful. It speaks louder than suppositions and theory. Everyone may be entitled to their opinion, but it doesn’t make it true or right. Experience has a way of exposing half-truths and falsehoods.
At one point in history, leading scientists and thinkers believed the world was flat. If a person were to sail a ship towards the horizon, they thought the ship would fall off the edge of the world.
The experience of the early explorers, who sailed beyond the horizon and lived to tell about it, proved these ignorant leaders wrong. Their experiential testimony changed the prevailing thought of the supposed experts.
Not all people embrace the truth, even when it’s evident. This is why believers need to testify of the Lord’s goodness and live according to the truth of His Word. Our life example becomes a living testimony.
Scripture
I will thank the LORD at all times.
My mouth will always praise him.
My soul will boast about the LORD.
Those who are oppressed will hear it and rejoice.
Praise the LORD’s greatness with me.
Let us highly honor his name together.
I went to the LORD for help.
He answered me and rescued me from all my fears.
All who look to him will be radiant.
Their faces will never be covered with shame.
Here is a poor man who called out.
The LORD heard him and saved him from all his troubles.
The Messenger of the LORD camps around those who fear him,
and he rescues them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good.
Blessed is the person who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you holy people who belong to him.
Those who fear him are never in need.
Young lions go hungry and may starve,
but those who seek the LORD’s help have all the good things they need.
Come, children, listen to me.
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Which of you wants a full life?
Who would like to live long enough to enjoy good things?
Keep your tongue from saying evil things
and your lips from speaking deceitful things.
Turn away from evil, and do good.
Seek peace, and pursue it!
Psalm 34:1-14
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Reflections & Insights
This psalm is the testimony of David when he fled from King Saul (1 Samuel 21:10–22:5). His first plan of escape did not go well. But as David cried out to the Lord for help, God protected him from Saul’s diabolical plans.
David’s declaration at the beginning is his testimony of trust in the Lord. Then he shares a reminder and exhortation of the lesson David’s experience with Abimelech taught him—the need to fear the Lord and the blessings of trust in God as our refuge.
People often misunderstand the fear of the Lord. Some may only see it as respect, but it’s more than that. Some people view it as something negative.
This psalm gives some wonderful insight into the fear of the Lord. It’s based on an experiential relationship with God, a relationship built on trust.
It includes gratitude and awareness of God’s goodness and faithfulness. It motivates a person to walk in the light of God’s truth, so we honor Him and become a reflection of His nature.
Does the fear of the Lord involve respect? Yes, but it’s a recognition and acceptance of who God is and of His power and might and holiness.
Great blessing comes with fearing the Lord in the right way, but there’s a substantial cost for those who choose not to humble themselves before God.
As always, it’s our choice. If we choose to ignore the Lord and go our own way, we’ll suffer the consequences of that choice. When we choose to fear the Lord, we reap the benefits and blessings this brings to us and others.
Digging Deeper to Make It Personal
Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions:- Why is King David thankful to the Lord? How does he express this gratitude?
- What are his exhortations concerning the fear of the Lord?
- What are the promises and assurances given throughout this psalm for those who trust God?
- When you face troubles in life, do you cry out to God with a thankful heart or only questions?
- Have you experienced the blessings in life that the fear of the Lord brings?
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