The Fear of the Lord

Blessed [happy and sheltered by God’s favor] is everyone who fears the Lord [and worships Him with obedience],
Who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments. Psalm 128:1 AMP

When you go to the park, you can always find someone with food for the birds. People love to feed birds. I have a friend who loves animals; she has a bird feeder in her yard and she supplies the birds with food. That is something I am thinking about for my own yard.  Now she is a serious animal lover because she buys food for squirrels. Squirrels can be so destructive; they eat your vegetables; they dig up your bulbs and they make you miserable. I think I will pass on the squirrels. She loves these animals unconditionally so she has no problem buying food for any of them.

Love drives you to do many things; love drove God to send His Son his die for mankind.  God’s love is amazing! He gives unconditionally. Matthew 5:45 NLT says, “In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.”  There are some things that God gives unconditionally. However, there are some of His blessings that come with criteria. Just like my friend with the food, she gives unconditionally while I have a criteria; non destructive animals.  God has a requirement for His blessings; first we must fear God. It does not mean we should be afraid of Him but that we must honor Him and reverence Him. 

Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.”  This is what God expects from us. What happens when we fear God? Well there are benefits when we fear God. The Psalmist said, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.” Psalm 111:10 .  So it’s safe to say that wisdom is a prized possession.  God’s favor comes with a price; you need to fear the Lord and walk in His ways.

Thought for Today: Friend, honor God in all you do.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.