Written by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, a contemporary pastor, writer, and editor. This is an excerpt from his work “The Beginnings of Wisdom.”
Catherine of Siena (1347-80) warns against giving in to slavish fear of critics, enemies, and demons. Such fear is characteristic of those who hope only in themselves, not in God. They must always be careful not to offend those who are more powerful. Holy fear, on the other hand, is freeing. Those who have it “are not afraid of the devils’ delusions; because of the supernatural light of grace and the light of Holy Scripture, they recognize them for what they are, and they suffer neither darkness nor spiritual distress from them.” Holy fear, God’s gracious gift, sets people free to love both God and neighbor. Spiritual growth, then, is in part a growth from fear of the world to fear of God and then from simple fear to the reverent fear that is awe.
Prayer:
Written by Kristine Brown, a contemporary author and speaker.
Almighty God, sometimes I feel like the disciples when they were in the boat, tossed around by powerful winds and fierce waves. But then I remember how the story ends, with your son Jesus speaking peace to the storm. The disciples were amazed, wondering what kind of man this was who could calm a raging storm. I adore you because you are the only One powerful enough to quiet the storms in our lives. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed when I’m struck by difficult circumstances. But I don’t have to fear anything as a child of God. All power belongs to you! Thank you Lord for your mighty power at work in my life right now. Thank you also for your Holy Spirit who provides power within me to do the things you’ve called me to do. I will never forget where my source of power comes from. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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