Day 94 The Fear of the Lord Still Matters Reflections on Psalm 76

The Fear of the Lord Still Matters

by Torrie Slaughter

Psalm 76:1–12

There are moments in Scripture that shake us—verses that call us to stop, reflect, and recalibrate. Psalm 76 is one of them. It’s not just poetic or reflective—it’s weighty. It draws a line in the sand and invites us to consider the holiness, power, and majesty of our God.

“You are to be feared! Who can stand before You when once Your anger is roused?”
—Psalm 76:7

This isn’t the fear that pushes us away from God. This is holy fear—the kind that stirs awe, surrender, and deeper devotion. It’s the reverence that recognizes: God is not to be taken lightly.
He is good, yes.
He is merciful, yes.
But He is also holy, just, and sovereign.

📖 God Is Known—And His Power Is Unmatched

Psalm 76 begins with recognition:

“In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel.” (v. 1)

This is more than location. It’s identity. God’s presence is established.
He resides in Zion. He reigns over every battle, both in Scripture and in our modern lives.

“There He broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.” (v. 3)

The psalmist reminds us that what overwhelms us is already under His feet.
God still breaks the weapons of the enemy—whether they’re arrows in the air or attacks on our minds, families, or future.

💥 Judgment That Leads to Humility

“At Your rebuke, O God… both rider and horse lay stunned.” (v. 6)

The proud are humbled. The oppressors silenced.
But it’s not wrath for wrath’s sake. It’s justice that saves the humble.

“From the heavens You uttered judgment… to save all the humble of the earth.” (v. 8–9)

This is where reverence and compassion meet. God judges to restore. He humbles to heal. He lifts the head of the lowly and silences the spirit of the oppressor. Even the wrath of man, the chaos around us, will be used to praise Him.

🔄 So, What Do We Do With All This?

We honor God by remembering who He is.

“Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them… bring gifts to Him who is to be feared.” (v. 11)

To walk in reverence is to walk in alignment.
It’s not about superstition. It’s about surrender.
It’s about honoring Him with our obedience, not just our emotions.

💭 Reflection:

• Is there an area of your life where reverence has grown casual?

• Are you inviting God into your plans—or submitting to His?

• Are you making space to honor Him daily, or only occasionally?

🛐 Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Restore my reverence. Strip away anything in me that treats You lightly or casually. Help me honor You not just with words, but with awe, obedience, and integrity in every step.
You are holy. You are near. You are just.
And I want my life to reflect that truth—today and always.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.