When I heard him utter those words, I knew there’s something lacking in his understanding; “God is not as difficult as people portray Him to be. I can do what I like in His presence…” While, I appreciate the place of being free with God, I believe this man has not known the fear of the Lord.

Friend, the Holy Spirit produces the fear of the Lord in our hearts. You have not met the real Holy Spirit if you live in defiance of the fear of the Lord. Notice that one of the dimensions of operation of the seven-fold Spirit of God is that He is the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:1-3).

One mark of true intimacy is in the measure of the fear of the Lord that you have. When you see God, you will fear Him. Don’t mind people who behave rascally because of a wrong understanding of the subject of Grace; they have not truly met God (2 Corinthians 5:11).

When you are intimate with God, you would be broken, not proud (Psalms 138:6, Isaiah 66:2). You would treat God with reverential fear and honour (Hebrews 12:28-29). God honours those who honour Him and He lightly esteems those who dishonour Him (1 Samuel 2:30, Habakkuk 1:13, Malachi 1:6). The fear of the Lord is not bondage; it is true freedom (Hebrews 12:28).

You also need the comfort of the Holy Spirit. It is what helps you to enjoy the blessings of redemption. It helps you to see God, not as a wicked God, but as a loving Father. It causes you to be free to relate with God, telling Him how you feel while enjoying His love and presence (2 Corinthians 13:14).

If you don’t know the comfort of the Holy Spirit, you would live a miserable Christian life. You would always think that God is angry with you. You would not see Jesus as your High Priest that feels for and with you (Hebrews 4:15-16). You would be so personal with your life and problems that you would see no reason to welcome God in as the solution.

‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria