This is Good for You

Last night, my four year old was insistent that he should be allowed to have his “musical instruments” in bed. He tried to get up multiple times to get them. I told him no, plopped him in bed, and started to sing his goodnight song. While I was singing, he dove under the covers and started crawling toward the end of the bed (where his sheets are never tucked in).

I moved him back to the head of the bed.

He said, “Mommy, you don’t know what I was thinking.”

I said, “Oh, yes, I do.”

He said, “How do you know?”

I leaned in close and said, “Because I know little boys!”

This was apparently hilarious and sent him into a fit of giggles.

When we finished laughing, I reminded him not to get the musical instruments because I love him too much to let him do whatever he wants to do. Instead, I’m going to do what is good for him.

Aren’t you glad God tells us what is good for us?

“Who is the man who fears the LORD?

him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.

His soul shall abide in well-being,

and his offspring shall inherit the land.

The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,

and he makes known to them his covenant.” (Psalm 25:12-14, ESV)

Most of us would prefer to avoid the idea of fear, and talk only of loving the LORD or trusting the LORD (both of which are elements included in the fear of the LORD!). But it’s the fear of the LORD that is so good for us.

Just look at the benefits for the one who fears God!

“Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.” She’ll have direct guidance from the Lord for all of her decision-making! The key to wisdom is this: fear the God of the Bible.

“His soul shall abide in well-being.” She will have peace and rest rather than feeling overwhelmed and chaotic! The secret to fighting stress is this: fear the God of the Bible.

“His offspring shall inherit the land.” Her children will thrive. The best thing you can do for your kids is this: fear the God of the Bible.

“The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him.” The Hebrew word for “friendship” here means “secrets.” The idea is an intimate, close relationship – with the God of the Old Testament, no less! Jesus would echo this when he said to his followers: “I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you.” (John 15:15, ESV) The foundation of intimacy with God is this: fear Him!

We spend so much of our lives trying to get what we want. If it’s not musical instruments in our bed, it’s knowing the best course of action, eliminating stress, or securing our children’s future. As we wiggle and squirm to get those things, God whispers to us: “I know you!”

And He tells us that what is good for us is to fear Him.