Trembling

November 28

Hosea 4-5

Psalm 133

Proverbs 28:14-15

2 Peter 3

Trembling

“Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.” Proverbs 28:14 NIV

This verse explains that those who demonstrate reverence and respect for God will be blessed, but those who harden their hearts will face trouble.  We have discussed several times the idea of fearing the Lord. Recognizing the majesty and holiness of God is essential to a proper understanding of Him.  We are only able to come into His presence because He is loving and merciful toward us.  We can do nothing to deserve His favor or His attention.  We should not approach Him casually or flippantly.  He deserves our respect and awe.  The fear is not because we are afraid He is going to yell at us or zap us when we mess up.  But at the same time, we cannot treat our sin like it’s no big deal.  We can never willfully sin presuming He will just forgive us again.  The attitude of our heart is important.  If we are sinning and then asking for forgiveness knowing we are going to turn around and do it again, there is no true repentance.  This demonstrates a hardened heart and is not pleasing to Him.  A proper respect for God demonstrates humility.  Any time we go to God with a humble heart, He will be waiting with open arms to forgive us and restore our relationship with Him.  “These are the ones I look on with favor:  those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at My Word.”  Isaiah 66:2 NIV 

On the other hand, those who harden their hearts can expect trouble.  Those who are humble are open to instruction.  They are willing to listen to correction and reproof and they will respond with obedience.  Those who have a hardened heart are arrogant and think they have it all figured out.  They will not listen to the advice of others or to God’s warnings because they are convinced they know best.  This leads to rebellion and separation from God.  “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” Ephesians 4:18 NIV   “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed.” Romans 2:5 NIV   Instead of hardening our hearts, may we humble ourselves before God so that we may experience His blessings and mercy.  “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 NIV