Scripture:
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
Observation:
Wisdom is not found apart from the Lord. Instead it begins with the acknowledgment of both His existence and His authority.
Application:
I find it so interesting that in our culture today a belief in God, creation and Biblical history are all considered childish and juvenile. In our “progressive” and secular culture, faith in God is seen as a weakness or a crutch for the needy and small minded. Yet the psalmist, a pretty smart guy in his own right, teaches that fearing God is the beginning of wisdom. Fearing God entails two important recognitions. The first is that God exists. That He is real and that everything exists because of Him. The second is that He is in charge. Not only is God creator but he is sustainer and sovereign over all. His way is the best way. His words and commands are true and are to be followed. It is not until we recognize and submit to this, that the journey towards wisdom begins. A life and pursuit apart from the fear of God leads to a life of ignorance and folly. No matter what level of status or acclaim is achieved in our culture today, apart from the fear of God, it is short-sighted and will be short-lived.
A couple things…
-What am I fearing in my life? Do I fear failure, rejection, being marginalized or overlooked? Or do I fear God? Fear is a motivator and what I fear will determine my actions. A fear of God will lead to actions obedience. A fear of other things will lead to compromise.
-Wisdom is a pursuit that begins when I say yes to God and commit to following Him. I can’t find wisdom in my life while taking the off ramps into darkness, self-gratification and self-enlightenment.
Prayer:
I fear you today God. I believe you are real, sovereign and holy. My life is lived in response to that today!