Created on Thursday, 03 May 2012 08:23

The Joy of Fearing God

As the author acknowledges in the opening paragraphs of this book, the title, ‘The Joy of Fearing God’ might be considered by some to be a strange one. Fear to us conjures up many negative connotations, so how can it be associated with that far more positive word, joy?

This book takes us on a journey. First, we explore what it means to fear God. It is not merely shaking our knees at the thought of God; it is something far grander and bigger. The next step, which forms the centre of the book, is to take in something of the greatness of God. I found many helpful things in Bridges approach in this book, but for me this was by far the most beneficial. The broad sweep of God’s power, holiness, majesty and grace was enlightening, breath-taking and at times simply mind blowing.

The final part of the book focuses on the practical matter of how we might live in the experience of the joy of fearing God. Here the author draws on many years of experience in Christian living to give a grouping of chapters that are bound to both challenge and encourage anyone who is seeking to grow in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you are looking for a book that will make you think more deeply about God, will move you in the light of his majesty and will help you to grow closer to him, then this is a book worth reading.