READING: Psalms 119:89-176
In my mind, three themes have echoed throughout my readings this year as I watch for texts about spiritual warfare: (1) the devil is a real enemy; but, (2) God is our warrior who is sovereign over even the enemy; (3) we are wise to fear God rather than fear the devil. It’s this third truth that grabs my attention today via just one verse in the latter half of Psalm 119: “My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws” (Psalm 119:120).
What strikes me is the word translated “trembles” in this verse. It’s a graphic, dramatic word that can be translated as “to have goose-flesh” or “to have the hair on the body bristle or stand up.” In fact, the word is translated in Job 4:15 as “the hair on my body stood on end.” The psalmist particularly regarded God’s judgment on those who did not keep His Word, and that reality struck him with a sense of holy awe and fear that captured him — so much so that he trembled.
I don’t know if “the hair on my body stands on end” when I consider:
- the times I’ve been stuck in sin patterns that seemed like they’d never end
- at times, my lack of passion for evangelism
- the too many times when I’ve not loved my wife as Christ loved the church
- the wanderings of my mind into things of the world
- the basic reality that I’ll stand before Christ and answer for the way I live (2 Cor 5:10).
These admissions must cause me to consider the magnificent love and justice of God again.
Holy fear and respect are right responses to the One we serve. Anything less gives us far too much unhealthy freedom to hang on to our sin.
ACTION STEPS:
- Consider the same question I’m considering: “Do I get goose bumps of fearful respect when I think of God, and particularly His judgment?”
- Live today with this thought in mind: “I will answer to Christ for my choices.”
PRAYER: “Lord, let me see Your splendor in such a way today that I live with a healthy fear.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 120-132
