# The Awe of God by John Bevere - Blinkist

What’s in it for me? Learn how to let go and let God.

The term “fear of God” can conjure up some intense images.

When they hear it, many people tend to imagine an all-powerful, punitive deity who would strike them for asking big questions about life.

Yikes!

But if God is punishing, how is He also merciful and compassionate?

Does fearing God really mean being terrified for our lives?

Or is there something else to this timeless phrase?

If you have asked this question your whole life, you’re in the right place.

This is what this Blink to The Awe of God by John Bevere is all about.

The fear of God is constructive.

First things first: it’s too easy to misunderstand what it means to fear God or a higher power.

It’s all in the word “fear” – It can be tricky to wrap our heads around it.

After all, fear is usually associated with being scared, right?

It’s no wonder we often perceive fear as a negative emotion we should avoid or conquer.

But the truth is, the fear of God is a particular kind of fear that, contrary to popular belief, can transform and empower our lives.

This fear can inspire reverence, awe, and a deep, intimate relationship with the divine.

To harness this profound emotion for personal and spiritual growth, we first need to understand the difference between two types of fear: constructive fear and destructive fear.

Constructive fear catalyzes positive change, urging us to revere a higher power.

This reverence helps us develop a solid moral compass, guiding our actions and decisions.

Think about the individuals you know who have turned their lives around by fostering a genuine respect for the divine.

More often than not, they have discovered that they can find meaning and purpose in their lives.

What’s the opposite of constructive fear?

Simple: destructive fear.

This fear stifles progress and incites anxiety, causing us to shrink away from challenges and growth opportunities.

For example, a person consumed by the fear of failure may never take the necessary risks to pursue their dreams, and regret it later.

By recognizing the distinction between these two types of fear in life contexts, we can avoid unnecessary pitfalls, develop lasting positive traits such as self-awareness, wisdom and emotional intelligence and live a fulfilling life.

So, let’s dive deeper.

We’ll start by looking into one of the many powerful offshoots of holy fear: reverence.

Fear to revere.

In fearing God, we revere Him and the life we’re given – consistently.

Reverence helps us recognize that we are part of something more significant than ourselves.

This realization can inspire us to mind our actions and their consequences.

We’re also more inclined to contribute positively to our communities and the world when we view ourselves as part of a vast, interconnected web.

Countless people who initially struggle in life later find solace and purpose through reverence for a higher power.

With this profound respect, these folks turn their lives around and serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.

Their stories demonstrate the transformative power of reverence and its potential to inspire positive change, not only within oneself but also in the lives of others.

Reverence also helps us develop a solid moral compass by encouraging us to live according to our deepest values and principles.

When we act with integrity, we strengthen our connection to the divine and pave the way for personal growth and development.

This connection empowers us to navigate life's challenges with grace, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.

On top of this, research has shown that cultivating reverence can bring tangible psychological benefits.

People who revere a higher power often report increased feelings of gratitude, happiness and inner peace.

These positive emotions can improve mental health and well-being, creating a solid foundation for personal growth and transformation.

So much for reverence.

Now let’s look at another benefit of holy fear: humility.

By fearing up, you humble down.

A constructive fear of God can keep us humble.

As cliché as it may sound, humility is crucial for achieving balance and fulfillment in life.

When we approach life with humble hearts and minds, we recognize our limitations and become more receptive to the wisdom and guidance of a higher power.

Through this lens of humility, we can create a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the divine, ultimately leading to personal growth and meaningful relationships.

Take a leaf out of the book of a multi-billionaire the author knows.

This person’s start in business was rocky.

But things turned around when he started humbly relying on divine guidance and accepted his failures as a necessary part of his journey.

He remained grounded by taking one day at a time, strengthening his relationships and trust in the provision of God along the way.

How did he eventually achieve career and networking success?

Well, he was humble enough to trust the process even when things didn't make sense.

But there’s more to humility.

Embracing it also allows us to listen more effectively and learn from others.

When we approach conversations with a genuine willingness to understand and appreciate different perspectives, we create an environment that fosters connection and growth.

Our multi-billionaire, for one, relied on his pastor for support throughout his journey up the ladder.

His story shows that by humbly accepting that we don't have all the answers, we open ourselves up to the wisdom and insights of those around us.

On top of this, a humble mindset makes us more empathetic and compassionate, encouraging us to recognize our shared humanity and interconnectedness.

When we approach others this way, we are more likely to treat them with kind understanding.

In the long term, this practice strengthens connections between people and communities.

In short, humility is vital for a happy life.

Be awed into lifelong wisdom.

By now, you’ve learned that the fear of God spurs ongoing reverence and humility.

Did you know that the same fear can help you gain profound wisdom?

It may seem counterintuitive to associate fear with wisdom, but when we dive deeper, it becomes clear how the two are intertwined.

Unlike its destructive counterpart, constructive fear encourages us to reflect on our actions, acknowledge our limitations, and seek guidance from a higher power.

This self-awareness paves the way for wisdom to emerge, empowering us to navigate life with grace and discernment.

Still skeptical?

Let's look at a fascinating example from history.

Meet Max Jukes and Jonathan Edwards, both born in early 18th century America.

If you analyze Jukes’ descendants, you see that they are riddled with crime, dysfunction, and government dependency.

If you look at Edwards’ however, you find notable figures, including politicians, educators, and authors.

What was the difference between the two families?

Well, Jonathan Edwards and his wife, Sarah, greatly feared God, praying together every night and raising their children with a strong foundation of faith.

In essence, this faith elevated their lives and the lives of their descendants, illustrating the transformative power of self-awareness and wisdom gained through holy fear.

Another way that holy fear fosters wisdom is by leading us to a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.

As we contemplate the vastness of creation and the intricate interconnectedness of all things, we gain a heightened appreciation for the complexities of life and become all the wiser over time.

So unlock the well of wisdom within you by fearing God today.

Through this fear, you get access to a deeper understanding of yourself, your world, and your connection to the divine, ultimately empowering you to make better decisions and live a more fulfilling, purposeful life.

Healthy fear breeds healthy living environments.

Developing a deep, intimate relationship with the divine is a profound and transformative experience.

By fostering a constructive fear of God, we create an environment that nurtures our connection to Him and enables us to grow spiritually.

From there, leading a more authentic, fulfilling existence is much easier.

The author and his wife, Lisa, credit their thriving relationship to their shared reverence for a higher power.

They cultivate strong communication, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment by their shared faith in the divine.

This shared spiritual foundation strengthens their bond as a couple and enriches their individual lives, allowing them to flourish both individually and simultaneously as partners.

Maintaining intimacy with the divine also encourages us to examine our beliefs and values and how we express and manifest them daily.

By reflecting on our connection to the sacred, we can better understand our true selves and our place in the world.

This self-awareness, in turn, empowers us to live more authentically and purposefully.

When we have a strong connection with the divine, we gain a sense of stability and solace in life's challenges.

When we feel supported and guided by a higher power, we are better equipped to navigate difficult situations with grace and resilience.

This unwavering faith can anchor us in turbulent times, giving us the strength and courage to persevere and grow from our experiences.

In short, with God in the front row, no conflict can ever last!

Captain your life with a strong moral compass.

The world can often seem daunting and confusing, filled with complexity and uncertainty.

Amid this chaos, having a solid foundation to build our lives is crucial.

Thankfully, the constructive fear of God can keep us stay grateful for the life we’re given.

And through this ongoing reverence, we can develop a strong moral compass that serves as a beacon of light, directing us toward wisdom, growth, and fulfillment.

Enter Justin, a young man who once worked closely with the author as an employee.

They enjoyed spending time together, but when Justin was given gentle correction, he responded with a barrage of criticisms.

Essentially, he had lost sight of the importance of respecting his boss as a leader.

Three months later, Justin called his boss, asking for forgiveness.

He admitted his mistake, recognizing the need for a proper attitude toward his boss's authority.

The key to Justin's change of heart?

The fear of God, which helped him recalibrate his moral compass and see the value in treating others with respect.

With a well-defined moral compass, we too can face difficult decisions and align with our core values and principles.

By following this compass, we are better equipped to lead lives of integrity, authenticity, and purpose – and to right our wrongs quickly.

A strong moral compass also leads us to view the world more through the lens of our shared humanity.

When we approach others with understanding and kindness, we create a sense of connection and unity that transcends our differences.

Justin’s moral compass, for instance, prepared him to improve his relationship with his boss.

It’s easier to grow wiser and feel more fulfilled with a strong moral compass.

It also helps us cultivate something deeply personal to us all: inner peace.

Let’s find out how.

Inner peace is both the journey and the destination.

Finding moments of stillness and reflection is increasingly essential in a world where distractions abound.

Whether at home with our family or at the workplace with colleagues, reflecting in holy fear allows us to make inner peace our default state of being.

Reflection can bring immense benefits in your work life.

Employees who can schedule quiet moments of communing with a higher power are able to masterfully calm themselves amidst daily corporate chaos.

Through this practice, they can easily find the solace, clarity, and direction required for optimal work-life balance.

As we create space for introspection, we also make room for personal growth and development.

By examining our thoughts, feelings, and actions in the context of our connection to a higher power, we gain valuable insights into our true selves and how we can evolve and thrive.

This process of self-discovery, guided by our reverence for the divine, empowers us to live more authentic, purposeful lives.

This same process of self-discovery also increases our emotional resilience, equipping us to better navigate life's challenges and uncertainties.

With a deep understanding of our inner selves and relationship with the divine, we can develop the mental fortitude and flexibility needed to adapt to ever-changing circumstances with grace and poise.

In essence, introspection and contemplation support well-being, resilience, and personal growth.

When practiced with holy fear front and center, these reflective moments can increase life satisfaction, improve mental health, and bring us closer to the divine.

So, now that you know what fearing God is really about, it’s time to pursue it and reap all of its benefits.

Start anytime – the blueprint for transformation is already within you.

The fear of God is really code for awe and reverence.

Final Summary

Embracing it unlocks our potential for wisdom, humility, and emotional intelligence.

By connecting with the divine, we develop a moral compass that guides us to live authentic, purposeful lives.

We’re more likely to self-assess consistently, fostering resilience, inner peace, and self-understanding.

This way, we can navigate life's complexities gracefully.

So, cherish the transformative power of this constructive and holy fear, as it inspires you to flourish personally and impact the world around you profoundly.