Daily Power #332

Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. (Prov. 28:14)

Most people want to see God as a loving Father, but not as many want to see him as a righteous judge. They want his love, but not his wrath. They crave his mercy but will pass on judgment. They desire blessings but despise discipline.

But Proverbs tells us we are blessed when we tremble before the Lord. Though God loves us and we can rest assured of his care for us, he is still holy. When we know him as he truly is, we will embrace his love and also respect his righteousness. The Bible calls this the “fear of the Lord.”

This type of fear doesn’t mean that we hide from God; it means that we respect, revere, and worship him. This is a foreign concept to many in the world today. Perhaps it’s because as a culture we’ve become too familiar and comfortable with the idea of God. But this overfamiliarity creates great misunderstanding about his character.

God is not the “big guy in the sky.” He’s not “the man upstairs.” And Jesus is not your “homeboy.” God is so holy that mortals cannot look upon him in his purest essence and live. Jesus is our rock, redeemer, judge, the Lion of Judah, and the Lamb of God. He’s the soon-returning, all-conquering, supremely reigning King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Don’t let your heart grow hard. Reflect on who God is—and be in awe of his splendor, majesty, and holiness.

Power Lift

Dear God, you are most holy and worthy to be praised. Thank you for desiring to relate to me as your child. Thank you for sending your Son to die for my sins.