“O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2)
I grew up with the image of God as a loving and caring God. So the thought of “fearing” Him always gave me pause.
It wasn’t until I was older that I realized that fearing God wasn’t like fearing spiders or the monster that may or may not have been hiding under my bed throughout elementary school.
Fear was less about being scared and more about a mighty respect. Not the respect you show someone of high office, a polite acknowledgement of their position. This respect is deeper. While even elected officials and presidents can do scary things with their power, it pales in comparison to the awe-inspiring shows of might that God has given us over the centuries.
This verse is a reminder to look back at the power that God has exercised, to see His mighty works, to remember His just vengeance when it was incurred, and also the mercy and grace He offered His children.
Like any good father, God has seen us slip and slide and make mistakes; He has corrected and punished us when necessary, guiding us back to the path we should be on; and He has given us love and forgiveness for our erroneous ways.
I have learned to reconcile the warm and loving Heavenly Father with the God who destroys the idol-worshipers throughout the Old Testament. Because that same power that is used to smite evil was used to create me in my mother’s womb. That power is used to guide me through life to accomplish the purpose that has been set for me.
And that power works in my heart every day to mold me into the Christian woman I was meant to be.
So, fear the Lord, and remember all that He has done. But also consider and meditate on all that He will do in your life, now and into eternity.
Have a blessed Monday!
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