Day 50 – Fear of God Generosity
Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their servants domineered the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God.
Story: Poverty was everywhere in Jerusalem, but so was financial abuse. Not just by the enemies, but also the people of God. A fear of God causes transformed behavior. Nehemiah can be frugal and generous; he can trust God to provide instead of demanding it from others. As governor, he hosts and feeds 150 men, officials, and dignitaries. Gracious hosting was a job description; food and wine was needed. And like Israel in the wilderness, Elijah in the brook, Nehemiah looked to God to provide.
My Prayer Response: Father, blessed is the one who fears You. You provide and supply all that is needed for Your work and purposes. Teach me contentment in what You give … and what You withhold! You are always good in what You give and take away. Your work and Your people will never lack for Your resources!
May the Lord give you what you need this day!
Day 51 – Worship With Fear
Psalm 2:11 Worship the Lord with reverence (fear) And rejoice with trembling.
Story: What happens when people don’t fear God? They attempt to get rid of God and His Son (v. 2-3). But God laughs at their attempts before setting them straight (v. 4-5). He rules, and so all must recognize this. To worship with reverence, to rejoice with trembling is to place ourselves in our proper position of submission before God (v. 10-11). We are not and never are God’s equal. We cannot replace Him. We may have political freedom, but we are very much dependent on God. And without this fearful dependence on God, we then face the wrath of God’s Son.
My Prayer Response: Father, at our hearts, we are those who sin and rebel against You. But You have established Your Son as our means of salvation. To submit to Jesus as LORD is both fear and forgiveness! Transform us so that we worship You with joy and fear. Send us out to the very people who seek still to revolt against You; give us boldness to proclaim that all must submit to Jesus.
May you worship the LORD with fear today!
Day 52 – Sleep and Salvation When Surrounded
Psalm 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about.
Story: David is running away for his life, but he is not afraid. His son Absalom has begun a coup to take over the kingdom. As David wakes up that first morning away from Jerusalem and his home, he knows God is with him (v. 5). And that God has heard his cries (v. 4). So even if today is a battle, and 10,000 enemy troops have encircled him, David will not be afraid. God has delivered him from the paw of a bear and a lion (1 Samuel 17:34-35), from the hands of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37, 45-50). Victory belongs not in numbers, strength, or weaponry; but salvation belongs to the LORD (Psalm 3:8)!
My Prayer Response: Father, what must be the strong and conflicting emotions of David as king, father, and follower of You! Sometimes, life gets turned upside down and we feel so strongly. I want to take my emotions to You in prayer. To cry out to You. But also sleep in peace. And go forward with confidence. Draw me close to You so that in strong moments of distress, emotion, fear, I am obedient, courageous, and peaceful.
May you cry to the LORD and He answer you today!
Day 53 – The Enduring Fear of the LORD
Psalm 19:9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
Story: We have God’s creation that declares His character and presence (v. 1-6). But even more, we have God’s Word (v. 7-9)! Coming to my Bible, I can learn and see the fear of the LORD, and how it endures in all situations. No matter the obstacle, it endures. Which is why I need to fear the LORD. Fear of others, fear of future events, fear of what may happen or what people will think – all these change and fluctuate. They are not solid, not a foundation on which to build my life. But the fear of the LORD – that is clean, that is enduring, that is fixed, stable, and secure. I can build my whole life on this foundation.
My Prayer Response: Father, thank You for the fear of You. How it is clean and enduring, and thus always beneficial to me. You will never disappoint. Continue to open my eyes and teach me of Your greatness. I love You, and You have loved me, saved me, chosen me. You can never be unfaithful!
May the fear of the LORD be your foundation today!
Day 54 – The LORD is my Shepherd
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Story: David is leading his sheep to an oasis of water. But the path goes through a canyon. Steep walls rise up on both sides, blocking the sun. Normal sounds of wind and birds are gone. The replacing silence seems threatening, as if nothing else wants to witness the trouble soon to come. It’s not David’s first time in this canyon, but fear is still there. Until he remembers the LORD’s presence. David may be the shepherd escorting the sheep through the canyon, but the LORD is His shepherd, escorting him through the valley of the shadow of death.
My Prayer Response: Father, how grateful I am for Jesus as my shepherd! He personally knows me; personally guides me; personally protects and comforts me! What joy to walk through life with Him, even in the worst and most threatening of situations. My shepherd Jesus drives out fear!
May you know your Shepherd is with you today!