Day 20 – Issue 11

Be Still Know

Psalm 147:11 NLT

“No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

The psalmist states that the Lord takes pleasure in those that fear him. The reason is that it reveals a heart of respect. When I grow to respect someone, I hold them in high regard. I do not readily seek to dispute with them, nor do I have a need to compete with them. In fact, I am reassured in their presence and enjoy them completely, trusting their judgement and guidance.

Many years ago, I had the privilege of working with Sir Fred Catherwood on issues of religious liberty in Turkey. He was a successful businessman turned European politician. As a vice-president of the European Parliament, he carried great authority with the Turkish government. He was a man of deep compassion and consistent prayer. Many Turkish Christians had never before met a politician who was a Christian. They didn’t know how to make sense of such a combination. And then they met Sir Fred, and were deeply impressed with his deep spirituality combined with highly developed political skills. As he met with Turkish politicians, we all gathered together and prayed. When he returned with his report there was a quiet respect, which increased as he explained all he had achieved. There was a deep appreciation as he gave thanks to God ahead of any suggestion that this was his political skill at work. He recognised he was dependent upon God.

I learned a huge amount from travelling with Sir Fred. I can honestly say I found someone of great integrity, huge wisdom, true humility and a deep spirituality grounded in prayer. I am forever grateful for those years I knew him, and aware that I am the deeper and fuller Christian as a direct result. When we respect we always grow in understanding, wisdom and strength in our Christian walk of faith.

QUESTION: Fear of the Lord should mean reverence and awe – not a sense of being scared of God’s displeasure! What does the fear of the Lord mean for you? Do you need to talk through any issues?

PRAYER: Lord God, all you have done for me shows that as I trust in you I need not be afraid. Thank you for a love that casts out fear. 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright C 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc, Wheaton, Illinois 60189 USA. All rights reserved.