Proverbs teaches that the “fear of the Lord” is the gateway and the pathway of wisdom that impacts all of our relationships. The “fear of the Lord” is an inward condition of reverent awe that affects the way we live and has practical implications for our lives. The fear of the Lord is the basis for a right relationship with God. As His children, we must listen to Him, receive His word and treasure Him. We must revere Him, humbling ourselves before the Lord, because we know His purposes toward us are good. We must call out to Him, seek and search for Him. As we do this, we will understand the “fear of the Lord” because we will begin to see as He really is. And when we live in a way that is pleasing to God, we find the life we truly want. 

 

Day 1      Proverbs 1:7; 2:1-5; 1:28-29

Reflect: What new insights do you gain from these proverbs? What common thoughts do you see? How does a person develop a “fear of the Lord”? How can you “choose” the “fear of the Lord”?

Apply:   What kind of wisdom, knowledge and understanding are you to seek? Why? Start a practical definition of what “fear of the Lord” truly means and build on it each day this week. 

Pray:      Father, rather than being mesmerized by the foolish wisdom of the world, I want to resolutely seek You with my heart open and attentive to Your Word.

 

Day 2      Proverbs 14:2; 8:13; 23:17; Exodus 20:20

Reflect: What do you learn about walking in a right relationship with God? With others? Why does God want us to fear Him? How do we know if we fear Him?  

Apply:   In your life, what areas are lacking the “fear of the Lord”? Do you more often walk in your own way or in the way of the Lord? What is your primary motivation to hate and avoid sin? 

Pray:     Lord, teach me to rightfully fear You, acknowledging You as my Lord and Savior. In my daily life, give me wisdom in the words I speak and the things I do. May I have a heart that sees You rightly, humbly dependent on You. 

 

Day 3       Proverbs 19:23; 22:4; 14:27; Psalm 34:7

Reflect: What new insights do you gain from these proverbs? What common truths do you see? Describe the blessings and benefits given for those who fear the Lord. 

Apply:    Which of these benefits have you experienced? How do you experience both a healthy “fear of the Lord” and an intimate friendship with Him?     

Pray:      God, through my humble and reverent obedience to Your will, purposes, and commands, display a holy fear of You. Scripture shows that the eternal benefits of “fearing” the Lord far outweigh the temporal costs on this earth.

 

Day 4      Psalm 111:1-10 

Reflect: What does the psalmist want us to know about God? Why? What are proper responses to a healthy fear of the Lord? How is loving God with all your heart connected with fearing Him?

Apply:   “Fear of God” is dependent on how well we know Him. How well do you know the Lord? What are the reasons for the way you answered? What can you do to better know Him?

Pray:      Loving Father, I praise Your glorious name and wondrous deeds. With every passing day, increase my wisdom and understanding of all You are to me.

 

Day 5       Hebrews 12:18-29  New Living Translation (NLT).

Reflect: What is the “feel” of these two mountains, Zion vs. Sinai? Why are they different? From this text, describe a right relationship with God. How is God a devouring or consuming fire?

Apply:   Complete your definition of “fear of the Lord”. What changes are needed for you to walk in that fear? How can you eradicate your fear of man and increase your “fear of the Lord”? 

Pray:      Lord, I thank and praise You that Your consuming fire of judgement was poured out on Christ in my place. Use me, in whatever way You choose, to speak Your words at the right time and in the right tone to people in my life so that many may be saved.

 

 Put It Into Practice!

Week 1: Right with God

God will never draw near to those who do not draw near to Him; and the way we “draw near” is through righteousness. Jesus is our model of intimacy with God, showing us what a right relationship with God looks like. His relationship was characterized by love and obedience. Take time in prayer this week to evaluate your love for God and your level of obedience to His ways. Seek His insight to help you grow in your relationship with Him as you draw near to Him.