July 1

Spiritual Disciplines
Written By Jason Russ
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The Fear of the Lord

is the Beginning

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Daily Steps

Before seeking practical advice (either earthly or heavenly), the new believer must establish the correct foundation for all understanding. This verse provides the anchor for all true wisdom: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

The peace in this foundation is found in right relationship:

  1. The Nature of True Fear: The "fear of the Lord" is not a paralyzing dread, but a profound, reverent awe, respect, and submission to God's immense power and absolute holiness. It is the recognition that He is the Creator and you are the creature. This healthy fear is the antithesis of the reckless disorder (Day 181) that comes from worldly arrogance.

  2. The Source of All Wisdom: This reverent awe is the beginning of wisdom. Without first acknowledging God's sovereignty and authority, all human knowledge is flawed and inevitably leads to confusion and anxiety. Placing God first brings all other knowledge into proper alignment.

  3. The Result is Insight: The knowledge gained from this foundation is described as "insight." True insight is not just accumulating facts, but gaining the ability to rightly apply spiritual and moral truth in everyday life. This spiritual clarity is the ultimate source of inner peace and guidance.

Your peace in the unseen world is secured by reverent submission. By establishing the fear of the Lord as the foundation of your life, you unlock all true wisdom and insight.

Reflective Question

In what area of your life have you tried to solve a problem using your own cleverness or research (your own beginning), without first submitting to the fear of the Lord? What is the first step you can take today to submit that entire situation to His holiness and authority?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess my arrogance in often trying to live life outside of Your authority. I pray for a genuine and profound fear of the Lord. I acknowledge that Your reverent awe is the beginning of wisdom.

Help me to build my life and my decisions on this foundation, so that I may gain true insight and secure the deep tranquility of Your peace. Amen.

Jason Russ
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July 2