The Blessing of Fearing God
Proverbs 14:34; Psalm 33:12; Deuteronomy 10:12-13
St. John’s United Church of Christ
Greeley, Colorado
June 28, 2026
Rev. Juvenal Cervantes
What did George Washington do the moment he was sworn in as our first president?
He didn’t reach for the Constitution. He placed his hand on the Bible—and kissed it. He knew that God had brought America to that moment.
Not every Founding Father called himself a Christian—but every one of them knew Scripture. God’s word was paramount to the creators of the Constitution.
Many people today ask, "What makes a nation strong?" Some point to military power, economic success, technology, or political influence. While these things have value, the Bible teaches that the true strength of a nation begins with its relationship with God.
As America reflects on its history and many nations face uncertainty, Scripture reminds us that no nation can prosper apart from the Lord. The greatest need of any country is not merely better policies but hearts that fear God.
The fear of the Lord is not terror; it is reverence, awe, obedience, and humble submission to God's authority.
Proverbs 14:34: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
I. Fearing God Begins with Reverence
Deuteronomy 10:12–13
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
The fear of God means:
Honoring Him above everything else.
Loving Him wholeheartedly.
Walking in obedience.
Trusting His wisdom above our own.
A nation cannot expect God's blessing while rejecting God's truth.
Application:
Revival begins with individuals and families who honor God in everyday life.
II. A Nation That Fears God Pursues Righteousness
Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness is living according to God's standards.
A righteous nation values:
Justice
Truth
Integrity
Compassion
Protection of life
Faithfulness in families
History repeatedly shows that when nations embrace immorality and reject God, decline follows.
God calls His people to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16), influencing society by holy living.
III. A Nation That Fears God Depends on His Blessing
Psalm 33:12
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
Notice the verse does not say the nation is blessed because of wealth, military strength, or natural resources.
God is the source of true blessing.
Psalm 127:1 reminds us:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it."
Human effort cannot replace God's favor.
IV. When People Forget God, Nations Suffer
Throughout Scripture, Israel repeatedly experienced this pattern:
They feared God.
God blessed them.
Prosperity led to complacency.
They forgot God.
Judgment followed.
Repentance brought restoration.
Psalm 9:17 warns:
"The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God."
God's justice applies not only to individuals but also to nations.
V. God's People Are Called to Pray for Their Nation
2 Chronicles 7:14
"If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land."
Although originally spoken to Israel, this verse reveals timeless principles for God's people:
Humility
Prayer
Seeking God's face
Repentance
Real change begins in the church before it reaches the culture.
Paul also instructs believers:
1 Timothy 2:1–2
"I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions..."
We should pray faithfully for our leaders, our communities, and our nation.
VI. Our Ultimate Hope Is in God's Kingdom
While we love our country and seek its good, our greatest citizenship is in heaven.
Philippians 3:20: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
No earthly government can fully solve humanity's deepest problem—sin. Only Jesus Christ can transform hearts, and transformed hearts can influence homes, churches, and nations.
The gospel remains God's power to save (Romans 1:16).
Conclusion
The question is not merely, "Will God bless our nation?" The deeper question is, "Will we fear God?"
A nation that fears God will:
Reverence His name.
Pursue righteousness.
Depend on His blessing.
Repent of sin.
Pray faithfully.
Proclaim the gospel.
May we begin with ourselves. Revival in a nation often starts with one surrendered heart, one faithful family, and one praying church.
Invitation
Today, God calls us to examine our own hearts.
Have we truly feared the Lord?
Are we living in obedience to His Word?
Are we praying for our nation and its leaders?
Have we placed our faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior and King?
Let us respond with humility, repentance, and renewed commitment to follow Christ. As we fear the Lord, may our lives reflect His righteousness and point others to the hope found in Him alone.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You are the sovereign Lord over every nation. Forgive us for the times we have trusted more in human strength than in Your wisdom. Create in us hearts that fear You, love Your Word, and obey Your commands. Bless our homes, strengthen Your church, and guide our leaders with justice and wisdom. Help us to be faithful witnesses of the gospel so that many may come to know Jesus Christ. May our lives honor You, and may Your name be glorified in our nation and throughout the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.