In Fear And Trembling

George Fox is recognized as the founder of the religious movement known as “the Quakers.” They were given this name because they would “quake” if they sinned, had a sinful thought, or saw someone who they thought was a sinner. Their reputation for holy living was well known. Once, while appearing before a judge for his beliefs, Fox admonished the judge: “Tremble before the Word of the Lord.” The judge mocked him and called him a “Quaker.” 

In Psalm 4:4 David said, “Stand in awe, and sin not.” Another way to translate this phrase is simply, “Tremble, and sin not.” 

Today, however, many do not understand what sin is or its very real consequences. We live in a culture that does not recognize nor respect the value of life. We live in a world that focuses on pleasure and entertainment, wealth and the abundance of things. The moral compass of many individuals is spinning out of control and has no reference point to direct people to what is right or wrong, good or bad, decent or destructive, helpful or harmful 

In this psalm David uses the word “meditate” – which means “to consider, to reflect.” Too often the only time we spend with God is to tell Him what we want. We demand things from Him as though He is our slave. Perhaps if we were willing to “consider” or “reflect” on His Word, we would realize that the sin in our lives separates us from Him, and we need His forgiveness. 

Prayer: Help us, Father, to be sensitive to the sin in our lives and our need for forgiveness. May we wait before You patiently as we seek Your blessing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Psalm 4:4 

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In Fear And Trembling

George Fox is recognized as the founder of the religious movement that was once known as “the Quakers.” They were given this name because they would “quake” if they saw someone who they thought was sinning or whenever they thought of “sin.” Once, while appearing before a judge for his beliefs, Fox admonished him “to tremble before the Word of the Lord.” The judge mocked him and called him a “quaker.” Their reputation for holy living was well known.

In Psalm 4:4 David said, “Stand in awe, and sin not.” Another way to translate this phrase is simply, “Tremble, and sin not.”

Today, however, there are many who do not understand what sin is or its very real consequences. We live in a culture that does not recognize nor respect the value of life. We live in a world that focuses on pleasure and entertainment, wealth and the abundance of things. The moral compass of many individuals is spinning out of control and has no reference to what is right or wrong, good or bad, decent or destructive.

In this psalm David uses the word “meditate” – which means “to consider, to reflect.” Too often the only time we spend with God is to tell Him what we want. We talk to Him without giving Him time to respond. Perhaps if we were willing to “consider” or “reflect” on His Word when we go to Him in prayer, we would realize how sinful our lives are and our need to “fear” sin.

Prayer: May we recognize Your greatness and glory Father, and wait before Your presence in deep humility. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 4:4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

Tremble And Sin Not

Some folk were called “Quakers” because they quaked at the presence of sin and the preaching of the Scriptures. David must have wished for a congregation of “quakers.” He said in Psalm 4:4, “Stand in awe, and sin not.” It means, “Tremble and sin not.” But many have reversed the verse. They say, “Sin and tremble not.”

Perhaps the greatest mistake in the world today is that men and women have lost their fear of sin. If you want to play with something dangerous reach into the heavens and play with forked lightning, or reach into the fireplace and play with hot coals, or reach into the forest and play with a rattlesnake, but don’t play with sin.

Two boys poked a piece of copper wire around a live rail on the subway tracks. There was a bright flash and a loud cry as ten thousand volts of electricity passed through their bodies. Was that dangerous? Yes, but not as dangerous as playing with sin. So pay attention to Psalm 4:4, “Tremble, and sin not!” And remember, where sin is mighty, the Savior is almighty.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to search my heart and to understand when I have sinned. Give me wisdom and help me to turn away from sin when the evil opportunity presents itself once again: in Thy Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.