Walking the Path of Joy and Freedom through Reverence & Fear of God

by: Keren May B. Busaing

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The admonition to revere and fear God sometimes leads some people to dwell on it, forgetting their freedom and joy in pursuing God’s righteousness. To fear and revere God, does it mean we have to shake and tremble before Him? While this is the case - that we tremble before His holy presence, we would like to bridge the gap between fear and freedom. Understand that reverence and fear of God doesn’t contradict the joy, peace, and freedom we find in Him.

A few people might find it contradictory that we are to fear God and be taught that we should find joy and freedom in our relationship with Him. This, of course, is not the case. Instead, we can receive joy and freedom if we revere Him. As we do so, we discover the inner depths of being free and the immense joy securely locked in our hearts as we consistently pursue righteousness. In other words, fearing God doesn’t mean that we live in fear, restricted by “thou shall nots” and the fear of consequences and punishment. If we do this, there is no freedom and joy, and it reflects God as wrathful and merciless.

God’s love for us is so much that it took His Son to redeem us from sin and darkness. We have been saved and are now free from the clutches of evil. We are free to pursue God and His ways; as we do so, we live with peace and joy. To fear and revere God means walking the straight, narrow path toward the Light. 

We revere God because we are fearful of being without Him. It is more terrifying not to have Him in our lives. Not having God means we live in darkness - a life characterized by uncertainty, insecurity, and worry, leading to sin. Moreover, we may pursue righteousness without Him by our strength, might, and standards. This will eventually lead to despair and slavery. We are mere humans, and the world is too much to bear, especially if we go against wickedness and corruption. Self-righteousness will eventually lead us to grow weary, and we become enslaved by the rules or standards we consider right or wrong. It is a lonely battle to advocate righteousness, and the question if not because of God and His righteousness, is what or who are we doing these things for? The only way to weather these storms is by doing it with joy and freedom that can only be attained through God and his presence in our lives. 

Revering and fearing God will naturally come if we fully understand His nature, will, and purposes. We will naturally manifest this value because we know His love for us and is not because He is wrathful and without mercy. Revering Him means loving Him, and we regard or lift Him King over our lives. We will not resent His ways; instead, we become his advocates, and such purpose brings about joy and freedom. The reason to do what is right is for Him, and as we do so, His presence will fill and overshadow us, enabling us to do great and mighty exploits. Isn’t this great? To live with power and purpose characterized by peace, joy, and freedom. 
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Now, let us desire to deepen our relationship with God. If the joy and freedom we describe here are unknown, let us pray to the one true God to reveal Himself. Let us pray for a God-encounter that can turn our life around and uncover the mystery in Him. We recognize that some of us may find this incomprehensible, but an excellent place to start is by establishing that there is only one God, and all power belongs to him. A sincere cry in our hearts to encounter Him will surely please Him, and one that He is more than willing to answer. This is the way to the peace, joy, and freedom we long for. It is the kind and level that we are fearful to lose, one that we will treasure and will lead us to revere and fear God truly.