“Fear and Its Remedy”

Psalm 119:39-40  Turn away my reproach which I dread, for your judgments are good.

Behold, I long for Your precepts, revive me in Your righteousness.

God’s people are the subjects of a twofold fear: the fear of God and the fear of sin.  Verse 39 speaks to the first concern, and verse 40 to the fear of sin.

The Christian has nothing to fear but sin.  Trials, poverty, persecution, sickness, and pain are not sin in themselves, and in fact may come to us for our good.  But sin only works harm.  It saps the foundation of spiritual life, blinds the intellect, damages the heart,  destroys hope, kills usefulness, and blast the soul.

 Even the world ridicules and mocks the one who is found in gross sin—if you don’t believe that ask the mayor of San Diego or a prominent mayoral candidate in New York City.

Believers also fear the reproach of sin, because it only lessens our effectiveness as representatives of our God and Savior.  Pursuing a life of righteousness is always the remedy for sin.  If we are pursuing a life of righteousness, we will confidently affirm: I long for Your precepts.  When you long for the precepts of God--His precious Word--you will find revival of your soul in His righteousness.  Let His Word fill you today, and pursue righteousness.