It Is Far Better To Fear The LORD!
BRD REFLECTION 2026
2 Corinthians 6 and Psalm 34:8-14 (NIV)
(Timothy Ho, Pastoral Team)
READ:
I reflected primarily on Psalm 34:8-14, with verses 9 and 10 as the key verses that I meditated upon.
OBSERVE:
David’s main instruction in these verses is that God’s people should take refuge in the Lord (v. 8), fear Him (v. 9), and seek Him (v. 10). He affirms that those who do these things are blessed (v. 8) and that they will find themselves lacking nothing (vv. 9, 10).
David is then instructive about how one should live out their fear of the Lord – they are to guard their tongues from deceitfulness, turn away from evil towards good works, and to strive for peace (vv. 13,14). It seems reasonable to summarise his instructions as to “pursue righteousness”.
The image of young lions usually evokes a sense of power, might, and even ferocity. A young lion can use its strength to accomplish what it wants. But in verse 10, David warns that even such strength will falter and suffer want and hunger.
APPLY:
It is instinctive for me to use my own strength to accomplish my goals. In fact, I am often convinced that I can achieve what I set my mind to. In my sinfulness, this sometimes means being ‘ferocious’ and throwing my weight around to get what I want. But verses 9-10 tell me that I should not place my hope on the strength and abilities that I have. If I do that, I will be anxiously striving, only to eventually find myself in want.
DO:
Instead of trusting in my own abilities, I should heed David’s instruction to pursue righteousness in all my dealings. As I do so, I can trust that God will provide every good thing He knows I need. It is far better to fear the Lord and depend on Him than to lean on my own strength.
PRAY:
Lord, I am sorry for the moments that I have been convinced of my self-sufficiency and have failed to acknowledge that what I already have is from the strength that You have graciously supplied. I ask that You put in my heart an awe and reverence for You that bears fruit in the form of a ferocious pursuit of righteousness. Teach me to trust in Your promise of providence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
