“And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night…
“And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and officials and the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes… God will fight for us.’ So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.”
“I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials… I said, ‘The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?..’
“From the time that I was appointed to be their governor.., neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor… I did not do so, because of the fear of God. I also persevered in the work on this wall.” Nehemiah 4:8-9,14,20b-21a; 5:6-7a,9,14b-16
Nehemiah knew and feared his Lord, staking both drive and dependence on God’s sovereign plan and care. His impetus to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem persisted through opposition because of his passion for God and His honor. His assessments, planning, strategy, perseverance, and treatment of others were all rooted in reverence for and confidence in the Almighty he sought to obey. He proved that the fear of God has great impact on the direction, decisions, and doing in His children’s lives. (Nehemiah 1:3-6; 2:17-20)
The fear of God causes us to pause rather than panic, and seek Him for the way forward. It is the defense against worry at bad news, and the ground of dependence each step forward. It guards our hearts, steels our resolve, and guides our minds. (Psalm 112:6-7; Proverbs 9:10; Philippians 4:6-7)
The fear of God keeps us focused in any work. It ensures that efforts are spent for the good of others and glory of God rather than for personal accomplishment or accolades. It reminds us of our ends and whose honor is at stake.
The fear of God loosens our hold on things of this earth. It keeps warm the heart and reasonable our decisions about what’s at our disposal. It moves us to compassion and generosity, exchanging personal rights for honorable, equitable, and benevolent treatment of others.
The fear of God keeps us going through hard times and pesky deterrents. It reinforces determination and clarifies opportunities to trust. It is a healthy, trustworthy foundation, and a banner of witness that points others to notice Him.
In what situations at work or service are we peppered with confusion? What plots of suspicion, angst, or resentment work against our relationships? How do we respond to temptations to special treatment, or the unjust treatment of others? Where do we secure our hope, wisdom, fortitude, and direction? The world offers many voices and choices, but rooting ourselves in the fear of God keeps us steady.
Father, forge my will and ways in genuine, joyful fear of You, for Your glory.
As the rain and snow 