“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!” (Psalm 112:1)

The first verse of Psalm 112 and the last verse of Psalm 111 seem to be closely connected. Again the man who fears the Lord is one who knows who God is in the fullest sense. That man can praise the Lord because he knows that God is the giver of salvation. As long as one delights in the commandments of God one need never fear Him in the sense of facing His wrath or anger. No, the man who does the will of God needs only to respect the Lord as God. Reverence for God is a healthy attitude because it keeps man from confusing who is in charge; it reminds man that he is the weak one and the sinner.

Having a good understanding of who God is, His nature and character lead that man to delight in obeying the commandments of God. That is true because that beginning wisdom is based on an understanding that God is a rewarder of those who obey Him. When we trust and obey God, He opens the windows of heaven to reward us. With such a loving and giving God, there is no need for damning fear.

Task for Today: Start with praising God for His goodness and love. Accept His blessing for peace and forgiveness. Continue to practice obeying His commandments until obedience becomes the pattern of life. Praise the Lord in all you say and do.