Psalm 119:63
I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. Psalm 119:63
Currently I am re-reading Jerry Bridges book, “The Joy of Fearing God.” And I am reminded that there are so many verses we could look to that talk about the “fear of the LORD.”
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7 ESV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. – Proverbs 9:10 ESV
“I am a companion…” The Psalmist is affirming that he is the companion of everyone who has the fear of the LORD. One interpretation is “I have a deep and abiding connection with all who fear the LORD.” We are a cohort of God-fearing people.
“…of all who fear you,” We fear God. We are all in awe of who God is. We love and admire him, but it also goes well beyond that. We are in awe of God’s position and power. We are subject to his awesomeness and the vastness of his works.
“…of those who keep your precepts.” And how do we find who these companions are? They are found by their obedience and faithfulness to God’s principles, instructions, and guidelines.
The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. – Proverbs 21:1 ESV
Often, my problems fall into one category that has two components to it. You might find this hard to believe, but most Christians have the same problem. Here it is…
I am either believing lies OR I am not believing Truth.
Can you relate? This is often my biggest problem. So, what do I do about this problem? How about…
1. Hanging out with people who know Truth and who are brave enough to call out lies you are living out.
2. Reading your Bible so that you know what God says about Himself, what He promises, and what He does not say or promise.
3. Attending a church that is committed to preaching the Bible.
4. Studying the Christian means of grace (or spiritual disciplines) and beginning to incorporate them into your daily life.
5. Meditating on Scripture. Pick a verse from Scripture each day or week and think about how it can affect your day. Think of it often (hourly) throughout your day and ask it to change you.
There are more things to consider but that is a good list to start with.
If you came to me and said you were a basketball player, I would ask how your shooting, dribbling, and passing is going. Why? Because those are the basics of basketball, and I would assume that you were working on these skills on a regular basis.
So, if you say you are a Christian, then I should ask about your Bible intake, prayer life, and service towards others. These are the basics of the Christian life. Reading my bible, praying, and serving others is where we start until we get to a place where we want more. We want that desire to increase our awareness of what God is doing in us and in those around us for His glory.
The Burke Care team would love to talk more about how believing lies can negatively affect a person’s life and how believing Truth brings freedom. Consider booking a session today!
God, You have caused my heart to respond to Your call. You have regenerated me; I am a new person. You have removed my heart of stone and replaced it with a heart of flesh. You have paid my debt, you have adopted me into your family, and you have given me right standing before you. You have done all of this for Your glory and my good. Keep me in awe of You. Amen!
Application Questions:
Do I really fear God, or do I fear what others think of me more?
In what ways do I make people big and God small?
Who are friends or acquaintances I know who might help me learn more about God?
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