Living Before God: Divine Intimacy, Fear of the Lord, and Daily Discipline

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction

From the beginning of creation, humanity has held a unique place within God’s order of life. Unlike any other creature, man possesses the capacity to converse with God, to discern His will, and to live in a covenantal relationship with Him. This divine-human dialogue is grounded in man’s endowed faculties: ears to hear, eyes to see, intellect to comprehend, language to communicate, and above all, free will to respond. In this sense, man is both participant in, and steward of, God’s revealed purposes.

God’s intention has never been merely to create humanity, but to cultivate in man a companion who walks with Him, fears Him, and shuns evil. This is the heart of God’s economy of salvation: a continual invitation for man to offer his heart, to be purified and equipped by God, and to live in reverent fellowship with Him.

Theological Reflection on Divine Companionship

Scripture testifies to the relational nature of God. From Adam walking in the Garden with the Creator (Genesis 3:8), to Abraham called “a friend of God” (James 2:23), to Christ inviting His disciples into intimate communion (John 15:15), the divine project is consistently marked by God’s desire for companionship. This companionship, however, is not casual familiarity but covenantal intimacy—a relationship marked by fear of the Lord, obedience, and holiness.

As God Himself declares, only when humanity offers its heart to Him does the divine intention of creation reach fulfillment. The human heart purified and sanctified becomes the dwelling place of God (Ezekiel 36:26–27). Fear of God and shunning of evil thus emerge as inseparable virtues. One who truly lives before God cannot but be restrained in word and deed, discerning what is pleasing to the Lord, and avoiding all that is loathsome in His sight (Proverbs 8:13; Ecclesiastes 12:13).

The Discipline of Living Before God

The practical expression of this theological truth lies in the discipline of living continually before God. To live before God is not to abandon life’s ordinary duties but to sanctify them through conscious awareness of His presence. God does not call believers to forsake their daily responsibilities in the name of spiritual devotion, but rather to infuse those responsibilities with divine mindfulness.

Prayer, contemplation, meditation on Scripture, and the singing of hymns are not restricted to sacred times but can permeate daily tasks. Whether cooking, working, or resting, the believer is invited to cultivate an interior posture of peace before God. This is the essence of Paul’s admonition: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Such constant communion does not suspend normal life but transfigures it into a life lived in the presence of God.

When circumstances allow, one must enter into focused prayer and meditation. When circumstances do not permit extended devotion, the believer’s heart can still inwardly draw near to God, offering silent prayers and reflections amidst labor. This rhythm of devotion and duty ensures that the heart is continually oriented toward God’s presence, allowing His Word to purify, discipline, and guide daily living.

Conclusion

The heart of Christian spirituality lies not in mere outward performance of rituals, nor in the neglect of ordinary responsibilities under the guise of devotion, but in the integration of divine presence into every aspect of life. God desires companions who walk with Him—those who fear Him, shun evil, and allow their hearts to be continually examined and purified by His Spirit.

Living before God, therefore, is not an occasional act but a lifelong discipline, shaping the believer into one who embodies reverence, obedience, and intimacy with the Creator. In this lies the true fulfillment of humanity’s vocation: to converse with God, to share His heart, and to walk faithfully with Him until eternity.