August 23, 2019

Recycle Friday of Daily Devotional April 4, 2017

Yesterday afternoon, Melissa, my administrative assistant walked into my office and said, “I forgot what I had to say,” and turned around and walked out. I started to make fun of such a young child being as forgetful as I am but then I remembered that I am afraid of her so I kept my mouth shut.

Then Amanda, the children’s program director, walked into my office carrying a can of beer. But then I took a closer look and realized it was even worse than I originally thought because the following words were printed on the can: Blackberry Cucumber Naturally Essenced Sparkling Water. I started to make fun of her for being a hippie but then I remembered that I am afraid of her so I kept my mouth shut.

This got me thinking. Everyone is afraid of something.

You may not be afraid of a terrifying administrative assistant or children’s program director but there is something you are afraid of. It could be fear of public speaking, heights, going to the dentist, snakes, flying, spiders, enclosed spaces, mice, dogs, thunder and lightning, the list goes on and on…

But while most fears are not only unfounded but also unproductive, the Bible is clear that there is one fear that is worthwhile.

King Solomon, the wisest of all people said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)

Understand what this means.

To be afraid of God is not the same as being terrified of God the way I am Melissa or Amanda. It is understood as being in awe and having a profound deep reverence.

Shouldn’t we be in awe of the one who set the galaxies spinning, put the fish in the oceans, and filled the sky with birds?

The good news is that the God of the universe wants to know you and for you to know him. And God wants this relationship to revolve around love not fear.

So live today to its fullest knowing that God is with you every step of the way. He does not want you to fear him. Instead, God wants your love and trust. It’s the best way to live.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for loving me. Whenever I become afraid, fill my heart with your love, my mind with your peace, and my soul with your song. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The choice is to let fear or God’s love govern our lives. I vote for love. I hope you do too.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins