Ever struggle with fearing the opinions or power of others? Perhaps these paragraphs from Ed Welch’s book will help you to see that fearing God is the solution to your struggles.
Edward T. Welch. When People Are Big and God is Small. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R, 1997.
“If you have ever walked among giant redwoods, you will never be overwhelmed by the size of a dogwood tree. Or if you have been through a hurricane, a spring rain is nothing to fear. If you have been in the presence of the almighty God, everything that once controlled you suddenly has less power” (119).
All these biblical examples point to the same conclusions: The triune God delights in showing us his grandeur and holiness, and we should never be satisfied with our present knowledge of him. So aspire to the fear of the Lord. Such a desire will certainly be satisfied as we pray, Lord, teach your church to fear you. Your grace is not always amazing to us. We are slow to hate our sin. We are more concerned with what someone thinks about our appearance than we are about reverential obedience before you. We want to delight in fear. We want to treasure it and give it to the next generation. Amen. (133)
Pastor Travis Peterson 