“The fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” – Isaiah 33:6b 

Scripture reading: Psalm 128:1-6

“The fear of the Lord” is thematic throughout Scripture. There are three basic parts:

First, it is a correct conception of who God is. God is the Creator Who created all things out of nothing (Hebrews 11:1; Genesis 1). He is without sin and does not tolerate sin (Psalm 11:5; Leviticus 10:1-3). He is love (1 John 4:7-12); He is also a “consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). He is our Redeemer and the Father of Jesus Christ, Who came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Second, the fear of the Lord is a pervasive sense of God’s presence. Psalm 139:7 asks rhetorically, “Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence?” This is comforting because we know that God is always with us. It is also convicting: since God is everywhere; He knows every thought and desire and intention of our hearts. He searches our hearts and knows our thoughts! (Psalm 139:23).

Third, the fear of the Lord is a constant awareness of our obligation to obey God. We should live each day and each moment for God’s glory and seek to do His will, not our own.

Fearing the Lord should be our aim in everything we do, no matter how great or how mundane, as those saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. As one minister said it: “The fear of the Lord is esteeming the smiles and frowns of God more than the smiles and frowns of man.”

Suggestions for prayer

Praise the Lord for Who He is, thank Him for His faithful presence in your life and ask for His grace to obey His commandments.

Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.