Day 24:  Fear of the Lord  (Gift of the Holy Spirit) 

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”

The word fear often has a negative connotation. As much as the Word of God assures us
repeatedly not to fear, in this verse it is magnified as a virtue. The difference lies in the nature of the fear. Worldly fear is to be overcome, whereas fear of the Lord is to be welcome. The fear of the Lord has its source in knowing who our God is – omnipotent (all capable), omniscient (all knowing)) and omnipresent (everywhere). And recognizing how weak, powerless, incapable and sinful we are in front of a perfect and holy God is the first step to that knowledge. And that takes humility.

The world on the other hand pushes for the opposite – advocating for self-control, self-sufficiency and self (professed) goodness – all elements of pride. And with pride there is no room for God, let alone any fear of Him and so with it comes downfall. It is humility that allows us to seek to know God. And the more we get to know Him the more the fear builds up in us. Fear not of punishment, but the fear like that of a child that does not want to hurt or disappoint a parent. It is kind of an awe at the creator. And in humility, when we empty ourselves, and conduct our lives in Holy fear, we will be granted the fullness of the Spirit along with all its gifts and fruit.

Do I like to be perfect and in total control over every area of my life or am I willing to surrender?

Do I recognize the faults and failures in me and how powerless I am in influencing the day-to-day situations in my life?

How much do I really know about this God who so loved me that he gave His only begotten son as a sacrifice for me?

Prayer: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! Reveal Your holy presence. Heal me of all my weakness and brokenness. In your greatness remove my inadequacies and insufficiencies. In Your holiness give me righteousness.

Contributed by: RIC4 member

• Litany of the Holy Spirit
• 500 Praises to the Holy Spirit (Pray a few of them as you can)