Psalm 25:14
The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.

Fear and friendship. Those words normally don’t go together. How can the Lord be a friend “to those who fear him”? Doesn’t fear cause us to run away? Isn’t friendship for those who stay close?

Certainly, for some, fear and friendship do not go together. Sin has created a gap between us and the holy God. That gap of sin leaves us separated from God. God’s final judgment on sin and sinners is forever. Man’s sin problem produces fear, or certainly should!

However, God loves us so much that he did something to bridge the gap. He sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus took the Father’s judgment for our sins on himself. With Jesus, fear becomes our honor and respect for God, demonstrated by thankful obedience. Have you trusted in Jesus to make you a friend of God? If you haven’t, I invite you to pray this prayer.

Dear God, I know right now that I am not your friend. My sin separates me from you. I know I can never bridge the gap between me and you, but right now, I trust in your Son, Jesus Christ, who took my sins and died for them on the cross. I am asking that you make me your friend through the work of Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.

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