Fearing God: The Beginning of Wisdom
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At Just Peachy, we’ve witnessed how straying from God’s guidance can lead to struggle and hardship. This understanding has led us to distill powerful, life-changing biblical lessons into three essential categories: Fearing God, Loving People, and Living Disciplined. In this blog, we’ll explore the category of Fearing God, filled with practical, accessible insights designed to enrich your life. Enjoy!
God’s Existence is Evident
God is real, and His existence is evident in the world around us. The stark contrast between good and evil, the beauty of creation, and the intricate laws of nature all point to a divine creator. The organized complexity of the universe is too precise to be mere chance. When we recognize this, we begin to see God as the ultimate source of truth and goodness.
Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
The Gift of Free Will
God allows us to sin because He has given us free will, which is a profound aspect of His love and, paradoxically, His wrath. This freedom allows us to experience the pain that accompanies sin, teaching us about the seriousness of our choices. Understanding the gravity of our actions can lead us to a deeper relationship with Him.
Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
True Love Requires Repentance
To truly love God, we must actively choose to turn away from sin. A genuine heart posture of repentance is necessary to maintain our relationship with Him. If we fail to repent, pride takes root, and God opposes the proud. Understanding the seriousness of sin is crucial; only when we recognize its true heinousness can we appreciate God’s grace.
James 4:6 reminds us, “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” Humility before God leads us to repentance and renewal.
The Bible as Our Guide
The Bible is the perfect roadmap to a good and fulfilling life. If you were to analyze every way to live, you would find that the teachings within the Scriptures provide the best guidance to minimize pain and maximize joy. God created the law, not to punish us, but to protect us from the inevitable suffering that accompanies sin.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Seek Knowledge from the Right Source
Every word spoken by anyone carries a bias shaped by their life experiences and understanding. This reality underscores the importance of seeking knowledge directly from the Bible. Relying solely on human wisdom can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
Proverbs 2:6 states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” By grounding ourselves in Scripture, we align our understanding with God’s truth.
Confidence Rooted in God
Confidence that stems from pride in oneself is ultimately sinful. Our confidence must come from our identity as children of God. Everything we have—our wisdom, gifts, financial resources, mentors, and even family—are blessings bestowed upon us by God. It’s essential to recognize that all glory belongs to Him, not us.
1 Corinthians 1:31 says, “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” By acknowledging God’s role in our lives, we cultivate genuine humility.
God’s Sovereign Plans
Nothing can stop God from fulfilling His plans. He doesn’t need us to accomplish His purposes; He will work through others if we refuse to submit to His will. This truth should inspire us to engage actively with God’s plans for our lives.
Isaiah 14:27 states, “For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”
Create Space for God to Work
If we desire to see God work in our lives, we need to do our part by learning more and pursuing opportunity (row the boat forward.) We then listen to God and allow him to steer us where he wants us to go. Like turning a rudder without moving, even God’s direction may lead us nowhere if we don't move forward.
God Cares About the Small Things
God is deeply concerned with even the smallest details of our lives because He exists outside of time. His infinite capacity allows Him to invest time in each of us uniquely. We can take comfort in knowing that no concern is too minor for Him.
Matthew 10:29-31 says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Overcoming Busyness to Hear God
Many of us struggle to hear God in our lives due to busyness or pride stemming from an unrepentant heart. God often speaks in the silence when we earnestly seek Him. Cultivating moments of stillness and reflection can open our hearts to His guidance.
Psalm 46:10 encourages us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Addressing Generational Sin
Generational sin can be passed down through both genes and demonic influence. Many individuals unknowingly repeat patterns established by their ancestors. This reality makes it vital for us to approach others with love and understanding, recognizing their struggles. While we must acknowledge where people are in their journey, we should also encourage them to strive to become more like Christ.
Ephesians 6:4 reminds us to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord,” highlighting our responsibility to foster spiritual growth in ourselves and others.
Honoring Our Bodies
Our bodies are temples meant to honor God, and we should treat them with respect. This includes how we nourish and care for ourselves, both physically and spiritually.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 asks, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Your Worth in God’s Eyes
To the world, our value is tied to what we can provide for others. However, God values us from the moment we are conceived, independent of our accomplishments. Our worth is inherent, rooted in our identity as His creation.
Jeremiah 1:5 affirms, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Embracing this truth allows us to live confidently and purposefully.
The Importance of Rest
God emphasized the Sabbath in the Old Testament for a reason. Taking a day of intentional rest is vital for replenishing our capacity to love others and work effectively. This kind of rest isn’t merely passive; it requires discipline and intentionality. Genuine rest involves stepping away from distractions and allowing our minds to unwind, fostering spiritual rejuvenation.
Exodus 20:8-10 reminds us, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.” Prioritizing rest empowers us to serve others with renewed energy.
Conclusion
Fearing God is not about being afraid of Him, but about recognizing His authority and reverence in our lives. It’s the beginning of wisdom, guiding us in every aspect of our existence. By embracing the principles of fearing God, we align our lives with His will and open ourselves to the abundance of blessings that come from living in relationship with Him. At Just Peachy, we encourage you to deepen your understanding of God and His teachings, allowing them to transform your life for the better.