The Fear of the Lord

“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” — Psalm 33:8 (ESV)

In Scripture, the fear of the Lord begins not with being afraid—but with being awestruck. For Israel, this reverence wasn’t theoretical. When they stood at the base of Mount Sinai, thunder roared, fire fell, the ground shook—and the people trembled. Why? Because they encountered the holiness of a living God.

The fear of the Lord is the soul’s proper response when it sees God for who He truly is: holy, set apart, unapproachable in righteousness—yet inviting in mercy. Reverence is what happens when we realize God doesn’t just see us—He searches us.

To fear the Lord is to live with a continual awareness of His presence, a deep respect for His authority, and a readiness to obey even when it costs.

The modern Church often leans heavily on God’s nearness, but we must also return to the weight of His holiness. True revival begins when awe returns to the sanctuary.

Prayer Focus

• Pray for the Church to return to a place of holy reverence for God’s presence.

• Ask God to restore awe and honor in our worship, free from entertainment or performance.

• Repent of ways we’ve grown casual in the presence of a holy God.

• Pray that we would live each day aware that God is near—and holy.