March 19
Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. Proverbs 28:14
The ESV states, “Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” Neither fear nor trembles used here means to be afraid or scared. Neither is a terror-filled fear, but rather a deep reverence and awe of God. It’s not about living every moment in fear so that you are paralyzed and unable to take another step. It is not that at all. Instead fears or trembles is a consistent and daily reverent awe before a mighty and holy God. This kind of fear and trembling - reverential awe of God - causes one to be blessed. The one who fears and trembles before almighty God is the person who finds joy, peace, happiness, and contentment. “Blessed is the one who always…” This indicates a lifestyle, not a momentary feeling. Always signifies this is an every moment of everyday kind of living. It’s a persistent awareness of God’s presence and a “healthy fear" of straying from His path.
Most of us think of happiness as the absence of fear. In order to be happy, we have to have an absence of fear. However, the writer of Proverbs suggests that safety (a healthy fear) is the foundation of happiness. Let’s consider a mountain climber: the climber who is "happy" on the cliffside is not the one who is reckless, but the one who has a "healthy fear" of the height. This fear ensures they check their ropes, carefully watch their step, and stay connected to their anchor. In the same way, "trembling" before God isn't about being scared of Him; it’s about respecting the reality of His holiness so that we stay securely anchored to Him and His Word.
The second part of this verse describes what is in store for the person who does not tremble before God. The one who hardens their heart will fall into calamity (trouble). A hardened heart is the medical and spiritual opposite of a tender heart. A person whose heart has become hardened is someone who is stiff-necked and stubborn. This is what God called the Israelites in Exodus 33 after they created the golden calf and bowed down to it. Someone who has allowed their heart to harden will follow their own ways. They will chase after what they see as right. This person will seek their own will and not the will of God. Doing this - seeking our will and way - will lead to trouble and calamity.
Where are you today? Are you the one who is blessed because you fear the Lord God? Do you have a reverent awe of the holiness and majesty of your loving Father? Or, are you the person whose heart has become hardened and is in need of the loving and tender touch of God? Ask God to help soften your heart. Surrender to Him.
Father - Your Word says “blessed is the one who trembles before You.” I come before You today acknowledging my sinful nature and how I quickly turn away seeking my own will and desires. Forgive my hardened heart. Soften those places that are like stone and make all of my heart tender. You promise peace when I stay close to You and follow Your voice. I need Your help in doing this. Here’s my heart. Make it Yours. Thank You for being my Anchor. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. In Your name we pray. Amen