“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm (Psalm 33:8-9).

In the previous devotional we talked about what it means to “fear God.” 

The word “fear” can carry different nuances in different contexts. When spoken about positively it is about reverence. And this isn’t just some tip-of-the-hat reverence. It’s a grand, awe-struck reverence for the Lord God the Almighty.

I suggested the term “volcanic reverence” with the hope of capturing something of God’s jaw-dropping power and goodness as our Creator and Saviour.

There is a very practical dimension to this as well: Fearing God first puts other fears second. 

Let’s be honest, fear can creep into our lives. We can fear losing something (tangible or intangible). We can fear danger to ourselves or loved ones. We can fear loneliness, illness or death. We can fear war. We can fear the presence of evil.

But when we have a volcanic reverence for God, we learn to re-orient our focus. Our eyes and hearts are no longer fixed exclusively on the things which threaten us. Our brain space is focused more on God and less on lesser fears.

Think of it as a kind of triage. In a hospital emergency room, patients wait to be seen by a doctor. But if someone comes in through the door with a massive, bleeding wound, they are going to get seen first. Others are going to have to wait. 

Here’s the connection. When we are focused on God with a volcanic-powered reverence, other fears need to get in line. I’m not saying your other fears aren’t serious, and I’m not saying you won’t ever have them. What I am saying that your desire to honour God will be such a priority that those other concerns will not dominate your mind to the same degree.

Think about God. No, don’t just think. Ponder. Gaze. Wonder. Stand drop-jawed. 

Fearing God first puts other fears second.

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Notes and extra content:

–This week is the four year anniversary of the release of my second book, “Turbulence: Devotionals To Steady You Through the Storms of Life.” Click here to learn more or purchase.

–“Fearing God First—Psalm 27.” Sermon (and podcast). June 23, 2024. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.