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Don’t Be Scared of God: Understanding the Fear of the Lord Through Honor, Reverence, and Respect

 

Don’t Be Scared of God

"God did this so that all the peoples of the earth will know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God." – Joshua 4:24

“Joshua 4:24 reminding believers of God’s powerful hand”


   Be afraid of God in a way that draws you closer. Do not fear God to the point of avoiding conversation with God or resisting hearing from God. God desires a personal relationship with you because God loves you.

   The Bible’s teaching on fearing the Lord is not about terror or punishment, it is about honoring God. A healthy relationship requires openness, not fear that causes someone to run away or anticipate harm. God is not seeking distance; God is seeking intimacy.

   While religion may sometimes promote fear rooted in anxiety or control, God seeks a loving relationship where you can be honest, where God communicates with you, and where true rapport develops. To fear the Lord is to love God, honor God, reverence God, and respect God.

   Fearing the Lord involves three foundational expressions:

   Firstly, Honor

   Honor begins in the mind as a deliberate choice to esteem God above all else. In daily life, this means aligning your thoughts with God’s worthiness, replacing doubt and distraction with awe. During challenges, pause and reflect on God’s power as seen in Joshua allowing trust to rise and faith to deepen.

   Secondly, Reverence

   Reverence shapes what you say. It expresses God’s holiness through your spoken and written words. This avoids careless or irreverent language and instead embraces affirmations that acknowledge God’s divine majesty. Reverence is practiced when prayer, conversation, and teaching reflect deep respect for the sacred relationship God desires.

   Thirdly, Respect

   Respect is revealed through action. It manifests in obedience and service, treating God’s guidance as a loving roadmap for life. Acts of kindness, integrity, and compassion become expressions of reverence in motion. Respect responds to life’s demands by demonstrating submission that honors the powerful hand of the Lord.

   Conclusion

   Embracing the fear of the Lord through honor, reverence, and respect unlocks abundant and eternal life. This relational approach invites God’s presence into every moment, transforming reverence into joyful intimacy rather than distant obligation.

   Fear the Lord (Joshua 4:24)
   1. Honor
   2. Reverence
   3. Respect

📖 Reflection: In what ways might fear be creating distance between you and God instead of drawing you closer?

💡 Action Step: Today, choose one way to honor God—through your thoughts, words, or actions—and intentionally practice reverence in that moment.

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