“The remarkable thing about fearing God
is that when you fear God you fear nothing else,
whereas if you do not fear God
you fear everything else.
‘Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord’; …”
Oswald Chambers
from The Highest Good—The Pilgrim’s Song Book, 537 L
From the heart of God:
Care what I think (and know). Let that be your focus and stick to it. This world is so fickle and opinionated, and all flesh is like grass that withers (1 Peter 1:24). Who is man that you would live according to his opinions rather than My instructions? Think of the freedom of LIVING before Me so that what I think is all that matters! What would you be doing differently?
“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread? …
Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident.”
Psalm 27:1, 3
Beloved, lay down any fear of man and let Me (and Me alone) name you and tell you who you are and give you instructions for life. Indeed, all who desire to live godly will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12), but My truth will make you courageous and bold and set you free. Be sanctified (set apart) in the truth of My Word (John 17:17). LIVE before Me, to please Me in all respects (Colossians 1:10), so that what I think is all that matters, entrusting yourself to the One who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:21-24). I know, and I know. I know your heart and intentions.
“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24
Thoughts to pray through and ponder with pen in hand:
Lord, forgive me for where I have placed the opinion of man above Your truth. Show me areas where this has been true that I am not even aware of.
If I lived to please You alone, what would I be doing differently?
If what You think is all that mattered to me, what would change?
What would I be stepping out in faith in if I did not fear man’s opinion?
Reveal to me areas where I am fearing man over You alone. I repent.
May we be so near to His heart and know His Word and hide it in our hearts that we are filled with bold courage to follow His ways, and His alone.
“With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.
I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways.
I shall delight in Your statutes;
I shall not forget Your word.”
Psalm 119:10,11,15,16
Bow to Him alone.
