Fearing God

“In mercy and truth

Atonement is provided for iniquity;

And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.” Prov. 16:16

Q: Do  I truly fear the Lord?

     If I did truly fear the Lord, would I be choosing to mire myself in the same sins repeatedly? Why is He not more of a reality to me when I’m sinning? Why, when I’m about to consciously sin, do I not stop and have that thought of, “Oh man, what is Dad going to say about this?” It’s like I seem to think I can get away with this sin in front of the Almighty God more than I would with my earthly father. I had a healthy fear of dad and the punishment that was sure to follow any disobedience. Where is that healthy fear for my heavenly Father, the One who truly holds me accountable?

     Out of sight, out of mind, I guess. But if I’m trying to grow closer to Him, and I grieve much more now about my sins after I commit them than I used to, then shouldn’t I also be growing in that healthy fear of Him- the one that helps me make better choices and leads to less grief?? For sure!!

     “Lord, help me to grow in a healthy fear and respect of You. I want to be fully cognizant that as a loving Father, You must discipline me to help guide me and teach me. Help me to want to please You not only in my good deeds, but by choosing to walk away from that which displeases and dishonors You. Help me to tremble at the thought of the consequences that will surely come, because You love me so much that You want to see me purified and walking in righteousness. Lord, may You be more and more of a reality to me, 24 hours a day. Amen”