AFRAID OR STANDING IN AWE?

Posted on February 16, 2019 by

 

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I don’t deserve God’s forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.  When I look back on my 76 years of living, all I can see is one failure after another.  Who am I to be given such mercy?

When I was a child, I was afraid of God.  On one hand, I was told that God was my heavenly Father and that He loved me as an earthly father loves his children – only more.  To a four year old little girl, that made no sense.  I knew my dad loved me, but he never once expressed that love verbally.  I felt I had to be a good girl and tow the line in order to gain his favor.  If I didn’t, I would receive punishment.

I felt the same way about my heavenly Dad.  I felt I must follow the commandments to the letter, to never make mistakes, to learn all I could about heaven and how to get there.  I felt God was my judge and I was terrified, because there was no way I’d ever get it right.

I was taught in a Christian high school.  I heard the words of my teachers, but they weren’t sinking in.  At least I didn’t think they were.  When I started my own family and understood a little bit about parenting, it began to become clearer to me.   Life experiences are like that.  We can learn a ton from them.

As a child, I thought of God as a stern judge who saw only my dark side.  I couldn’t help but feel unworthy.  Like many Christians, I felt something was missing. There had to be something I could do to make amends for my sins.  Time and lots of prayers finally brought the truth of the Gospel to my heart.  Yet, without that Law, I would have had no need for a Savior.

So fear, in my case, had a negative connotation.  Fear also means to stand in awe of someone or something – to honor and show respect.  We can never do what is necessary to become right with God – only God can make that happen – and He did, when He became flesh and blood and suffered the weight and shame of our sins.

God is not only the creator of the universe, but its Savior. We’re told to fear and love God which sounds like a contradiction. God tells us in Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Today and every day, may we stand before You, Holy God, with reverential awe. You loved this world so much that you sent your own Son, Jesus, to take on our sin so we could gain your forgiveness. Through your resurrection, we know that we will overcome death as well.  This is amazing grace.  When You look at us, You see Your Son and the work that He did for all the world.  The price has been paid.  This the best news.  Amen!

About atimetoshare.me

As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension. I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog. I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ. My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.
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14 Responses to AFRAID OR STANDING IN AWE?

  2. Salvageable says:
    February 16, 2019 at 11:13 am

    We should indeed fear God above all things, love God among all things, and trust God above all things. That fear should indeed be standing in awe and not cowering in terror. J.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Julie (aka Cookie) says:
    February 16, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    You know, Lynda who often visits my blog mad a wonderful observation— when we most often refer to fear of God— it actually translate to respect— and I really like that

    Liked by 3 people

  4. mylovelyhearts says:
    February 17, 2019 at 4:30 am

    Amen, we are never too far from God’s grace. Being a Christian isn’t about works. We try to act Christlike in respect and honor to him but we are.always saved by God’s grace. You a still must treat it serious! God doesn’t forgive if we don’t ask forgiveness!

    Acts 3:1o
    Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out

    2 Chronicles 7:14
    If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

    Psalm 86:5
    For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you

    Liked by 1 person

  5. thechickengrandma says:
    February 17, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    I love the fact that when it comes to fearing God it is an awe-struck, respectful way of fearing.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Pingback: AFRAID OR STANDING IN AWE? — atimetoshare.me – elunarcom

  7. lynnabbottstudios says:
    February 23, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    I love your beautiful explanation of what it means to “fear” God… reverence! Perfect! ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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