Dec 28 – GODLY FEAR !

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household” (Hebrews 11:7)

The fear of God brought Godly reverence and piety in the life of Noah. Therefore, in the fear of God, he prepared an ark for saving himself and his household, based on God’s warning.

Fear could act in two ways. Fear could be positive and productive. Or it could be counterproductive and lead a person towards destruction. There are some fears which forewarn us and lead us in the right path. And some other fears, which demoralise us, crush our heart, and bring in diseases and even death.

For example, a student who is afraid of the examination, spends extra hours in studying. Children who are fearful of their parents, avoid getting into wicked ways and preserve themselves. The surgeons who are scared of possible infections, take precautionary measures to sanitize all their surgical instruments.

In a similar manner, the man who walks in the fear of God, protects himself from evil and sinful ways. Once a sister in faith, mentioned: “Sir, because of my zeal to get to heaven and out of my fear of hell, I firmly cling on to the Lord and try to lead a holy life.”

Noah also got a divine warning, about the impending destruction of the whole world through floods. In order to escape from that imminent destruction, he built an ark for himself and his family, with extreme care and effort. How wonderfully that fear of God saved him and his family!

There is another kind of fear. Instead of fearing God, some people are terrified by demons and sorcerers, or horrified about darkness and witchcraft, afraid of lizards and insects. Some are constantly in fear of what they will eat or drink or what they will wear. Such fears completely shatter the heart of man. Instead of living in such fear, place all your cares and fears upon the Lord. When you cast all your cares at the feet of the Lord, cleanse yourself with the blood of Jesus Christ, and dedicate to lead a holy life, no such fear will have dominion over you.

Dear children of God, do not be afraid of any circumstance or issue that you may face. But live your life in the fear of God. Be reverent and fearful of God alone. Prophet Isaiah says: “I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ” (Isaiah 12:2)

Verse for further meditation: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)