Psalm 34:9-14 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 34:9-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.
Verse 10The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Verse 11Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Verse 12Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good?
Verse 13Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Verse 14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Devotion
What's worse: fearing God will come ... or that he won't?
God had it in mind all along that there would be a better meaning of fear waiting for anyone daring to face him.
In the country, hailstorms and harvest bounty are always things to "fear." Dick was one of the best farmers around. Now he is a very tired man, in grief from losing his wife Lorraine, in the care of folks who see to his comfort as best they can. He loved harvest time. To Dick, to fear God is his teaching that, today, all that is left is God who loves me. There is nothing to face in awe but the Father. He lives, and nothing else matters.
Prayer
Father, for Father you are, thank you. Amen.