Fear of the Lord

Welcome! If you’re studying An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell with us, we’re in Chapter 9 this week, “The Right Kind of Fear.” This chapter had me looking for some clarity on the word “fear.” Here’s what I learned… 

When we think of fear, we usually think of the everyday common meaning of the word.

Fear – (v) to be afraid of something, (n) something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension; a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined. (Dictionary.com)

My NLT study Bible, as well as Dictionary.com have another definition.

Fear – profound reverence and awe of God. Synonyms: honor, respect, to stand in awe of.

When I think of fear being awe and respect for God, I get a clearer understanding of Scripture.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.
Praise him forever! (Psalm 111:10 NLT)

In this verse, fear of the Lord isn’t shaking in my boots fear, it’s sincere respect and honor for God and His Word. The more time I spend with God, the better I get to know Him, and the more understanding I receive of His Word.

Wisdom is more than just knowing facts or knowing what the Bible says. Wisdom is asking God for understanding, listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading, and making good decisions based on what we know to be true and the insight God gives us.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Now when I read this, I understand it differently.

Respect and honor for God our Father is the foundation for understanding and discerning Scripture. The more I grow to know Him, the more I desire to be obedient to Him, as He takes me deeper into His Word and guides me in wisdom.

What are your thoughts on fear, wisdom and obedience?

God Bless,

Laura
Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesdays, Women Living Well Wednesdays, and Winsome Wednesday.

He Makes a Way {Something to Think About}

But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

(Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT)

Do not dwell on the past. God’s already working on the future, and there is so much more to come! He will make a way where we see no way. He makes the impossible possible!

God bless you today!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up today with my friends at Fresh Brewed Sundays, Jumping Tandem, and Sharing His Beauty.

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 9

Have a great week!
Laura

Week 9 – Feb. 26-Mar. 3, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read the Chapter 9 “The Right Kind of Fear.” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

 Tuesday/Wednesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

• Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter. (These questions can help us go deeper into Scripture and the study, but please don’t get stressed out if you can’t, or don’t want to, answer them all.)

Friday

• Spend time in prayer and reflecting on this week’s reading. 

Jesus is Enough

If you took a moment to think about one thing that attracts you to Jesus, what would it be? What’s the first thing that comes to mind?

For me, it’s the fact that when I spend time with Jesus I am the center of His attention. He’s never too busy. He never tells me “just a minute.” He puts me first. And He puts you first too.

He always has enough time.

Do I make enough time for Him?

He always has enough patience.

Do I have enough patience to wait on His plans and His timing?

He always has enough love.

Do I have enough love for Him that I trust and follow without question?

He always has enough concern.

Do I have enough concern for others?

He always has enough grace.

Do I have enough grace to extend to His children?

The answer is no. I don’t have enough. I am a work in progress, and only through Him is there hope for me.

But Jesus…He gave everything He had for you and for me. He knows what each of us is going through. He knows the pain, disappointment, and despair of living in this world.

Jesus has enough…to listen, to comfort, to strengthen, to protect, to guide, and to forgive us. He is enough.

Jesus, who puts us first, is enough. He is more than enough. He is everything.

What is one thing that attracts you to Jesus?

In Christ,
Laura

Photo credit: Laura Rath

I’m linking up today with Bonnie, who offered this writing prompt, at Faith Barista, as well as Thought Provoking Thursdays, Brag on God Friday, and Spiritual Sundays.