What Does It Mean to Fear God?
The concept of fearing God is often misunderstood and has led to much discussion. In Scripture, Proverbs 9:10 defines it well: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. In this context, fear does not mean dread; rather, it signifies reverence, a profound respect and humility that fosters a deeper understanding of God, His ways, and His character. Fearing the Lord means humbly submitting to our Heavenly Father out of love, wanting to know and experience Him. Psalm 147:7 reassures us that the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him and hope for His steadfast love. It delights God when we revere Him, reflecting our love for Him.
How Do We Learn to Fear God?
We must immerse ourselves in God's Word. We should start by honestly knowing the God who created us. Begin in Genesis to meet God as Creator, read about His covenant with Abraham, and understand its significance. Familiarize yourself with the journey of the children of Israel through slavery and God's deliverance by Moses. These captivating Old Testament stories foreshadow the promise of a Messiah, Jesus. The Old and New Testament pages weave a beautiful narrative of God's love for us, His children. Read it, study it, and immerse yourself in the richness of God's love and His story.
Memorize Scripture. Hide God's Word in your heart so the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind when needed. Pray Scripture. God is faithful to His Word; it does not return void. Pray relevant Scriptures for your needs and claim His promises.
Fear of God Brings Obedience
One practical manifestation of fearing God is learning obedience. Our fear of God produces obedience, which in turn brings blessings. To obey God, we study His Word to understand what He requires of us and to deepen our love relationship with Him. As we study God's Word and develop a more intimate relationship with Him, our love for Him grows; out of that love is a desire to obey Him. We agree with the psalmist David in Psalm 119:161: my heart stands in awe at Your words.
Practical Application
Becoming a woman who fears the Lord is a deliberate, daily choice. It's not about living in fear of punishment but about living in awe-filled reverence of a holy, loving God. Here are some suggestions for practical applications of how to build the disciplines that help us become a woman who fears God:
1. Spend Time Daily in God's Word
Make Scripture your foundation. Set aside time each morning or evening to read and study the Bible. Let it shape your thoughts, your decisions, and your understanding of who God is and His character.
2. Commit to Daily Prayer
Prayer is your lifeline to God. Talk with Him, listen, and be honest. You don't have to use fancy words; it is a conversation and can be an ongoing conversation with your heavenly Father. He knows what you need and wants you to tell Him what is on your heart.
3. Establish a Quiet Time
Have a consistent space and time for your quiet time (or "daily office"). Whether it's at sunrise with coffee or at the end of the day, consistency builds connection. This time is your sacred appointment with God; don't miss it—He is waiting for you.
4. Memorize Scripture
Hide God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). Pick one verse a week to memorize and then meditate on it throughout your day. It keeps the truth close when life feels chaotic. Write it on a 3x5 card and keep it with you during the day. Attach it as a sticky note to your mirror or computer to help you remember it throughout the day.
5. Practice Sabbath Rest
Set aside one day each week as a Sabbath to rest, reflect, and reconnect with God. It's not about checking out but about checking in with your soul and your Savior.
6. Stay Focused on Your Relationship with God
Falling into performance mode is easy, but fearing the Lord isn't about ritualism or checklists. Keep your eyes on Him. Make space for worship, journaling, or being still in His presence. Listen for His voice.
7. Find a Faith-Filled Community
You weren't meant to go through life alone. Surround yourself with women who love Jesus and want to grow, too. Pray together, encourage one another, and share the journey. A godly community will strengthen your walk like nothing else.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a woman who fears the Lord doesn't happen overnight. It's a lifestyle built on daily choices and spiritual discipline, but most of all, it's grounded in love. The more time you spend with God, the more you'll reflect His character and walk in the wisdom and strength of knowing and fearing God.