2 Chronicles 17

2Ch 17:10 And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.

This is an incredible statement. Jehoshaphat was a man who delighted himself in the things of the Lord. He followe God and because of it, Judah followed the Lord. Not only that, but his testimony caused other surrounding lands to follow the Lord as well, or at least respect Him.

The term "fear of the Lord," literally translates "The sudden alarm of the Self-Existent One." It is an interesting way to put it. Around Judah, there was a sudden alarm that God's presense had come upon them. They could not deny it. He was in their midst.

Was God not among them before? No. He is always present. The fear of the Lord is what happens when we realize the surrounding presence of God. Sometimes it takes a God fearing man for us to realize this. In this case, Jehoshaphat's love for God caused Judah to feel the presence of God. Judah then reformed, and the surrounding nations felt it.

Do you fear God? Do you live in the realization that He is present. If you do your life is felt by others around you. It is all because of Jesus. If you do not, than you are not bearing a godly witness.