See who He is. Learn what “the fear of the Lord” really means. Practice reverence in ordinary days. And bow now, freely, before the day every knee will bow.
“Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!”ISAIAH 6:3
💜 If “fear God” was used to hurt or control you, please read this gently. Reverence never means being afraid God will harm you. What reverence is not →
👁️ Behold Him
Five moments when people saw God’s glory. Go slowly. The page gets brighter as you go.
🕊️ What “the fear of the Lord” really means
“The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). But what kind of fear? The Bible holds two things together that we usually keep apart.
Awe and closeness, at the same time
“Moses said to the people, ‘Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.’”Exodus 20:20
“Don’t be afraid” and “his fear” in the same sentence. That’s the key. It isn’t the fear of being hurt. It’s the awe of being near Someone so great, so good and so holy that you never want to treat Him lightly.
“The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him.”Psalm 25:14
“But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared.”Psalm 130:4
Notice: His forgiveness is what makes us revere Him. Reverence grows from grace, not threat.
Common misunderstandings
Myth“Reverence means being stiff, formal and quiet.”
TruthDavid “danced before Yahweh with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14). Reverence is a posture of the heart, not a volume level. It can kneel in silence or shout with joy.
Myth“Casual is closer. God is just my buddy.”
TruthJesus calls us friends (John 15:15), and He is still the One whose face shone like the sun. Familiarity without awe doesn’t bring God closer; it just makes Him smaller in our eyes.
Myth“Reverence is for Sunday.”
Truth“Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). Reverence is how you treat God on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
💜 What reverence is not
If a parent, partner or church leader used “fear God” to frighten you, punish you or keep you quiet, that was fear of them, borrowing God’s name. It was not reverence.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.”1 John 4:18
God’s holiness is safe because He is good. When John fell at Jesus’ feet “like a dead man,” Jesus “laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Don’t be afraid’” (Revelation 1:17). If someone is controlling or hurting you now, please reach out: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Healing from church hurt →
👣 Take off your sandals: everyday reverence
Reverence isn’t a feeling you wait for. It’s small habits that keep your heart awake to who God is. Tap “I’ll try this” on one or two. Start small.
🙇 Every knee will bow
“To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.”Isaiah 45:23
“God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”Philippians 2:9-11
“I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!’”Revelation 5:13
Who will bow? Tap each one.
📬 Behold: 7 days by email
One short email each morning for a week, to help reverence become a way of life. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Day 1 · Take off your sandals Day 2 · Holy, holy, holy Day 3 · Where were you? Day 4 · “Get up, and don’t be afraid” Day 5 · The fear of the Lord, explained Day 6 · Let your words be few Day 7 · Every knee
