Today's Scripture
Exodus 20:20 (NKJV)
The test is not whether we feel fear, but whether fear drives us away from God or holy reverence draws us closer to His voice, His presence, and His truth.
There are two very different kinds of fear: the fear that pushes us away from God, and the fear of the Lord that pulls us closer to Him. When Israel stood at Mount Sinai and saw God’s power, they backed away. They told Moses, “You speak to us, but don’t let God speak to us.” They were afraid of God’s presence. But Moses moved closer. He understood that God was not trying to destroy them—He was testing their hearts so they could learn holy reverence.
Being scared of God creates distance. It makes us hide, just like Adam and Eve hid in the garden after sin entered their hearts. It is the evidence of shame, guilt, and condemnation that pulls us away from God through fear. But the fear of the Lord is different. It is not the terror of punishment. It is a deep awe, love, and reverence for God that says, “I don’t want anything separating me from Him.”
Holy fear keeps our hearts tender. It produces wisdom, obedience, holiness, and an intimate connection with God and one another. It teaches us to value God’s presence more than our comfort, our opinions, or our own way.
God did not bring Israel out of Egypt just to escape slavery. He brought them out so He could bring them near to Himself. In the same way, He did not deliver us from sin so we could live distant from Him. He delivered us so we could walk eternally closely to and with Him through His Spirit, Love, and Truth.
So today, ask yourself: Am I passing the test? Am I running from God because of fear that produces doubt and unbelief toward Him, or am I drawing near to Him with holy awe and reverence that produces faith and trust in Him?
Today's Prayer
Jesus, thank You for delivering us from the spirit of fear through Your sacrifice. Fill our hearts with a Holy Awe of You—a Holy Reverence that keeps us close, obedient, and surrendered to You. Guard us from sin, deception, and distance. Teach us to love Your presence and follow Your voice with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.
Today's Activation
Today, with God’s help, I will pass the test by drawing near to God with holy awe, trusting His heart, obeying His voice, and refusing every fear that tries to pull me away from His presence.