In our day and age, being self-sufficient is often a sign of success. For Christ-followers, we have discarded that notion to the degree we realize we need help. Navigating life can be tricky with all the obstacles in our path. God has set us up for success when we follow his teachings and obey his commands.
What does it mean we “must fear the LORD,” our God? The word “must” suggests this is not negotiable. The importance is magnified because this command is repeated regularly in the Bible. Rather than understanding this “fear” as a phobia or something that causes us to be afraid, think of it as a reverence or awe of God’s power. Each time you have a new revelation about God’s character or a truth uncovered in His Word, capture those awestruck moments and relive them to help blossom your respect and awe for God.
Rather than look at the Bible as only “rules” to live by, focus on how well the Bible prepares you to represent God. We don’t have to wonder how to behave or what pleases God. The promise that follows our obedience is that “all will go well with you.” Who doesn’t want that kind of happy ending? Even when bumps in the road occur, we know we have God’s presence by our side.
We are to recognize God for who he is. Verse 5 says, “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” This is one of those Bible texts quoted elsewhere, including the gospels (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27). The repetition affirms and encourages us to love God in this way. God wants us to be all in for him.
God knew we’d be forgetful and need constant reminding about his majesty. That’s why this passage talks about teaching these truths to our children, repeating and talking about them and incorporating them in memorable ways. I’m not sure how many of our doorposts are covered in God’s teachings, but I do have Bible verses framed and hanging in our house. They are good reminders of what and who is important.
Look around your house. Do you see evidence of God? What sorts of things do you do to help keep yourself grounded in your faith? When you are just getting started in a relationship, you often spend extraordinary amounts of time together. It’s like you can’t get enough of each other’s company. That’s what God wants to share with you.
God wants us to be intentional in spending time with him and obeying his commands. What steps are you taking to incorporate your faith into your everyday life? Reading your Bible and being obedient to God are great places to start. It is my prayer that this “Discovering the Bible Together” challenge will help you set some good quiet time habits.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for your patience as I am learning to love you with my whole heart, soul, and strength. I am in awe of your majesty, and I respect your power and might. I want to know you more and love you more. Help me to resist the temptations of the world so I can keep focused on loving you with all that I am. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
