In chapter six of The Great Gain of Godliness Thomas Watson discussed the fear of God in some detail. Near the end of the chapter he asks a good question and answers it in a good way:
Question: How shall we arrive at this blessed fear?
Answer 1. Let us set God ever in our eye. Study His immensity. He is God, almighty (Gen. 17:1). He gives laws to the angels, binds the consciences of men, cuts off princes. He breaks the spirit of rulers, He is feared by the kings of the earth (Ps. 76:12). The thoughts of God’s incomprehensible greatness should strike a holy awe in our hearts. Elijah wrapped his face in a mantle when God’s glory passed by. The reason men do not fear God is because they entertain slight thoughts of Him. “You thought I was altogether like you” (Ps. 50:21).
Answer 2. Let us pray for this fear of God, which is the root of all holiness and the mother of all wisdom. “Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Ps. 86:11). The Lord has promised to put His fear in our heart (Jer. 32:40). Let us pray over this promise. While some pray for riches… let us pray for a heart to fear God.
Thomas Watson, The Great Gain of Godliness, p. 60-61
Shane Lems
Covenant Presbyterian Church (OPC)
Hammond, WI, 54015
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