REVERENCE

Psalm 40:3—“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”

Reveration means reverent-adoration. It is a word I created after studying one of the most overlooked major themes of Scripture—the fear of God. If love for God is food than reverence for Him is water. We need both to nourish our relationship. Love devoid of respect is emotionally unstable causing people to perceive God as some sort of cosmic Genie. Respect without love is mechanically rigid such that people approach God from a sense of duty, concerned with failing, convinced that He is a harsh Judge.

While living in the Sinai desert for six months I read through my Bible and highlighted in red pencil every reference to revering the Lord. Over 286 verses or 44 of the 66 books of the Bible address fearing Him. The application of reverence has powerful implications for us. I will not sail on the sea of devotional writing without a pious wind.

Solomon, the world’s wisest man said the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Jeremiah, God’s weeping prophet, shared God’s perspective, “Should you not fear Me?” declares the Lord. “Should you not tremble in My presence?” . . . I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear Me, so that they will never turn away from Me (Jer.5:22; 32:39,40).

The very key to salvation is found in the fear of God—“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6). The Apostle Paul wrote in 2Corinthians 7:1, “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

The more I experience God the more overwhelmed I am by His grace coupled with power, His mercy linked with justice. I am awe-struck that this perfect, all-knowing Lord would value me so highly as to let His own Son be murdered for me. I’m staggered by the faithfulness of a Father I don’t deserve. I’m thrilled by the touch of an invisible Holy Spirit Who warms me like no fire can.

The secret to knowing God includes fearing Him. Will He grow close to those who take Him for granted? Will He embrace men and women who use His name in vain? When have disrespect and disobedience ever been the building blocks for a successful relationship! God yearns for our heartfelt piety. When we come before Him with awe and treat Him with the majesty He deserves, He blesses us in ways we could never have imagined. Something to think about . . . in reveration!

Inspiration
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.—Oswald Chambers in The Pilgrim’s Song Book