The Joy of Fearing God <book review>

[Melody]

I am just finishing up my second time through "The Joy of Fearing God" by Jerry Bridges.

It starts out revealing, through scripture, the characteristics of God. It ends with the characteristics of one who worships God. It has totally changed the way I pray and worship.

It is written on a level that is easy to understand (no big theological seminary-type words), yet he uses scripture to support each and everything he writes about. He includes a study guide at the end of the book. It works well for both individual and group study. I just wished he gave out the answers (he only gives scriptural guidance). I guess if we search for the answers ourselves we are more likely to remember?

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is wanting to learn more about what worship is really all about.

[QuiltAngel]

Thanks, I am going to have to have a look at this book. Sounds very interesting.

[Weiser]

I need to find this book as well. It does sound interesting!

[brinstrong]

How much joy is it fearing god?Just courious

[Melody]

brinstrong,

Very good question, and one I have struggled with myself.

Consider these verses:
Proverbs 31:30 - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." and Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."

There are many more verses in Scripture that encourage and even command us to "fear" God. So, it must be important.

The word Fear has more than one meaning. Scripturally, a good definition would be "reverential awe". That is what this book studies. Learning about the "Fear of God" helped me to fall more in love with my God who loved me (and you) before I knew Him.

The truth is that there is much joy and love in fearing God.:bfly:

Melody

[Lavendergrey]

brinstrong, I am so glad that someone asked about the act of "fearing God".

Melody, your answer was a blessing. Many people do not realize that fear in Scriptural terms is different than "being afraid". "Reverential awe" is such a deep meaning of it...beautiful and joyful. Thank you for your wonderful insights.

I grew up loving God, while always having that sense that I should be afraid of Him. I didn't really understand why I should be afraid of Him, except maybe because He was so strong and powerful. It wasn't until maybe 7 years ago that I fully understood that I was to feel "reverential awe" for God...not be frightened.