What does it actually mean to fear God?

In this reflection on Psalm 130, John Ortberg shares from a reunion with lifelong friends and explores one of Scripture's most misunderstood ideas.

Why does the psalm say:

"With You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared"?

Drawing on the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas, John explains the difference between fearing punishment and revering someone you deeply love.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 130 and crying out from the depths
- God's forgiveness and unfailing love
- Servile fear versus filial fear
- Waiting for the Lord with hope
- Lifelong friendships and spiritual formation
- Becoming the kind of person who honors God through love

Scriptures:
- Psalm 130

#Psalm130 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #FearOfTheLord #Forgiveness #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Grace



🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT us at 51504
EMAIL US at [email protected]

GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe
GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504
SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team
DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Music Credits:
Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE
Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF


00:00 Fifty Years of Friendship
00:28 Learning to Pour Out Our Hearts
00:59 Psalm 130 Begins
01:37 Out of the Depths I Cry
02:21 Hear My Cry for Mercy
02:32 If You Kept a Record of Sins
03:17 With You There Is Forgiveness
03:46 Why Forgiveness Leads to Fear
04:09 Thomas Aquinas on Two Kinds of Fear
04:55 Servile Fear vs. Filial Fear
05:24 Teachers Who Shape a Lifetime
06:26 Living Up to the Calling
07:18 Waiting for the Lord
07:47 More Than Watchmen Wait for Morning
08:16 Full Redemption
08:55 Becoming a Blessing to God