A Healthy Fear

Psalm 34

This psalm is about the happiness of those who trust in God. Verse 7 struck me this morning as it says "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them."

"The angel of the Lord" is simply that - a representative or messenger of Yehovah.
"encamps" has the meaning of to encamp, to pitch a tent. 
"all around" means on every side, circuit.
"fear" in this verse the main usage of the word actually means afraid, to fear, fearful
"delivers" is to remove, to draw out, equip (for war), arm for war, rescue

This gives us the sense that God's representatives have come to us and have "pitched their tents" all around us...they have literally encircled people....but not just anyone; the qualifier, if you will, states that those who FEAR Him will be encircled and drawn out or rescued or equipped for battle.

I have heard it taught that the fear of the Lord is a reverent fear...one of honor but not to be mistaken with being afraid of the Lord. However, in this verse it is plain that, Yes, those that are afraid or have a healthy fear of Yehovah shall have His representatives sent to encircle them and to deliver them.

So the question is.....do you actually fear God? Are you afraid in the slightest of what the consequences are for your actions? Or do you believe that "we are under Grace" so it does not really matter? and if so, how is that working out for you?

This verse is in the Old Testament, but it is clear that we are not only to honor or have reverence for God but to have a healthy fear of Him as well....after all, He is Holy and has called all those who have claimed to be a follower of Him to also be Holy. 

1 Peter states that we are to be holy for He is holy and to "pass the time of your sojourning here in fear". Sojourning there refers to your dwelling in a strange land; we are not citizens of this world once we have been born again. Fear in this verse refers to dread, terror or fear.

There is more to living out our life of Faith than simply giving it lip service...we should have a real fear of the holiness of the God we serve!  If we do not have such a fear, I dare say that we need to re-examine our relationship with God.  Who is the God that we say we serve afterall?

It is in each individuals best interest to delve into the Word of God and to seek Him personally!  It is not enough to attend church services or read books about what others believe about God.  NO!!!  Take the time and effort to study His Word yourself and to seek Him until you find Him so that He can tell you and show you His Heart.

This life of Faith that we each walk out is a personal walk with a Holy Being that we can call friend....however, a friend is someone that we have invested time in and with not simply someone we have heard about.

So today, I urge you to re-examine your relationship with God.  

He is gracious and merciful and is waiting for each of you to seek Him individually so that you can have that "one-of-a-kind" relationship with your Father!



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