Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.
You are restricted in your own affections.
Knowing the fear of the Lord... I question myself again as to whether I really know the fear of the Lord. I think I believe many things about the Lord. The problem is that my life does not necessarily reflect those beliefs. Thus the second part, "you are restricted in your own affections."I am tied up in my own affections. Not that they are necessarily bad - caring for my family and friends, wanting to get healthy and stay that way. No, these are good things. The problem is they take priority over the true necessity, knowing the fear of the Lord.
How can I know the fear of the Lord? It's taking that time to be silent before Him; not chasing after the multitude of thoughts that are running around in my head. It is not starting to fret over all that has to be done in the next few weeks before routine settles in again. It is not being distracted by the many different sounds. But being quiet and listening to Him. Seeing Him in all His grandeur. Looking to see if He's coming in those clouds over the lake...
If I truly feared Him, I could persuade others because then I would see Him for Who He really is. I would see to the deep need that people really have of Him. That they are lost souls going to an eternity completely without Him.The idea of them not having Him would be tearing me apart.
But it doesn't, at least not yet. I am still to wrapped up in my own affections. And it brings me shame to admit it. But then... He gently reminds me He loves me and that He is patient with me. Suddenly the sun is a little brighter. He has taken me to a new place - a little bit more fear of Him and a little bit less of me. I'm not where I want to be. I have a long way to go. But He is drawing me closer to Himself. It is and it is not a work that I do... He draws me closer to see Him as He is, but I have to be willing to look, to truly see.
Open my eyes, Lord.
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