Proverbs 10:27 (KJV)
The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
From our anchored Scripture, the fear of God gives those who are influenced by it a title to the promise of long life, and it preserves us from evil practices that tend to shorten life. A life rooted in faith and awe of the Lord can lead to a longer, more fulfilling life. The fear of the Lord embodies reverence and respect, establishing the right attitude and perspective toward God. It serves as the master key for every believer’s life. As children of God, embracing the fear of the Lord is essential for experiencing Divine deliverance. When we truly fear God, we will faithfully obey His statutes and commandments, ensuring we securely inhabit the land He has promised us. This fear also compels us to live a holy life, cultivate a strong positive character, and build spiritual strength. It is the wisdom to do what is right consistently, remaining diligent in our devotion to God’s ways. The fear of the Lord is a passionate commitment to aligning our lives with His will, reflecting our priorities in our relationship with Him. When we fear God, we place Him first in all aspects of our lives as Christians, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to His purpose.
In today’s fast-paced world, losing sight of what truly matters is easy. We often find ourselves chasing after success, wealth, and recognition, but true longevity and fulfillment come from walking in God’s ways and living with a heart full of reverence for Him. The fear of God undeniably brings satisfaction and enables us to escape evil. It firmly establishes the righteous in safety. When we truly revere God, He surrounds us with a protective hedge. Living in reverence of God ensures our safety and plays a crucial role in our preservation. Our capacity to fear, obey, and please God not only empowers us to fulfill the years He has given us but can also contribute to extending our time on Earth. God has a unique plan for us, and those who embrace His fear are aligned with His purpose and destiny. Living a wicked life undeniably distances us from God and can significantly shorten our days. The lack of fear of God leads many to harm others without any remorse, ultimately resulting in destruction. When the fear of God is absent, evil actions become disturbingly easy to commit. Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 says, “Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: but it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.” In other words, how we live directly impacts the length of our lives on Earth. Nabal’s early death was a consequence of his wickedness. Sin unequivocally invites the supernatural judgment of God upon the sinner, manifesting in various forms at any time.
Beloved, cultivate a reverence and awe for God in your daily activities. It may seem appealing to think that life would improve without the fear of God, but the reality is that life thrives when you embrace reverence for Him. As a Christian, you may not always receive immediate rewards for your commitment to following Jesus, and not everyone will face instant consequences for their lack of fear of God. However, no matter your challenges, a relationship with God far surpasses any fleeting prosperity. Stand firm in acknowledging God’s presence and sovereignty in every aspect of your life, and make it your mission to honor Him through your actions and decisions. Today, be sure to fear God because to fear Him means to be safe. Keep a healthy conscience to have guaranteed safety in God, for whatever pushes you against God is a setup for damnation. The lack of fear or reverence for God is one of the fastest ways to destroy anyone. So, avoid people who take pleasure in talking against God. Confess and turn from any life of sin, and never take God’s Mercy for granted. Be a faithful and devoted Christian; be a Christian in words, appearance, and deed. Whether it’s through prayer, reading Scripture, or acts of kindness, let your life be a testament to the blessings that come from fearing the Lord. Remember, a thankful heart can help you maintain a positive and humble attitude, essential for fearing the Lord.
O Lord, give me the grace to live in Your fear, maintaining a permanent and consistent relationship with You in Jesus’ Name.