Author Archives: Tannika Nikeya

08.10.25
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6 Pillars of the Fear of the Lord

This Sunday, I stayed home from church — not out of neglect, but out of necessity. With much work and my body being in a lot of pain this week, I listened to my body and followed my heart and took a rest.  And sometimes, honoring God means pausing from our usual routines to care for the temple He’s given us. Today was one of those days, a Sabbath for both my body and spirit.

And with that, I was also led to study the Fear of the Lord. So, what is the fear of the Lord? Is it being afraid that God is chasing you down with lightning bolts and drizzles of fire behind every fleeting footsteps?

No. The Fear of the Lord is not about terror. For “Fear of the Lord” the main Hebrew word used in the Bible is:

יִרְאָה (yir’ah) — pronounced yeer-AH

Root: יָרֵא (yare) — to fear, revere, or stand in awe.

Meaning: Reverence, respect, deep awe, piety. 

It’s an awareness of God’s holiness that shapes your behavior and keeps your heart humble before Him. With the Fear of the Lord and God’s love, God wants us to run to Him, not away from Him.

Before I go any further, I want us to read Psalm 34. Then we will walk through what God says about the Fear of the Lord in His Word.

Psalms 34:1-22 NLT
[1] I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. [2] I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. [3] Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. [4] I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. [5] Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. [6] In my desperation, I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. [7] For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. [8] Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! [9] Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. [10] Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. [11] Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. [12] Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? [13] Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! [14] Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. [15] The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. [16] But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. [17] The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. [18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. [19] The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. [20] For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! [21] Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. [22] But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

In Psalm 34, David, who pretended to be crazy in front of Abimilech to escape danger, gives his praises and testimony, gives an invitation to experience God’s goodness, gives instruction in the Fear of the Lord and lastly, details God’s care for the righteous. 

But let’s delve deeper into the Fear of the Lord. What does God say about it further:

Proverbs 9:10:
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. (NLT)

Proverbs 1:7:
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (NLT)

Proverbs 3: Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. (NLT)

Hebrews 12:28:
[Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. (NLT)

Proverbs 29:23 & 25:
[23] Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.
[25] Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. (NLT)

Psalms 105: 1-8:
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the Lord our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. He always stands by his covenant— the commitment he made to a thousand generations. (NLT)

Now that we have read some scriptures on our topic of study, let’s bring it home with the five pillars of the Fear of the Lord.

The 6 Pillars

  • Protection – Fearing the Lord is a safeguard, placing you under God’s loving protection. Corresponding scriptures: Proverbs 14:26; Proverbs 19:23)
  • Knowledge – True understanding begins with reverence for Him. (Proverbs 1:7)
  • A Heart of Praise, Reverence, and Respect – At its core, the fear of the Lord is respect, reverence, and honor. It’s an attitude of worship that shapes everything we do. (Psalms 2:11; Psalms 33:8; Psalms 130:2-5; Psalms 105:1-8)
  • Wisdom – Discernment and right choices flow from fearing the Lord. (Psalms 111:10; Job 28:28)
  • Dependency Upon God – Fearing the Lord means trusting Him completely, rather than relying on our own limited understanding. I’m reminded daily that without God, I can do nothing. (Proverbs 3:5 & 6; Psalm 130:5)
  • (I forgot this one during the initial writing stage) Godly Sorrow – Godly sorrow is true repentance, and with it comes the fear of the Lord. Because He is holy and worthy of honor, our hearts—growing in spiritual maturity—will turn away from the things that keep us from drawing closer to Him and dwelling in His presence. (James 4:9)



Why does the Fear of the Lord Matter Today?

In a world that encourages self-reliance and pride, the Fear of the Lord keeps us humble, safe, and aligned with truth. Jesus is the truth, the life and the way. As believers, we are to recognize God’s power and holiness and respond accordingly. We must value what He says over what the world says, putting Him first and acknowledging His authority. We worship Him in spirit and in truth, not because He has an ego, but because our spirits respond to His character and His unfailing love. Ultimately, this leads to obedience. We want to honor Him in everything we think, say, and do. Living a holy life is a challenge, but with God’s grace, we can do it one day at a time.

Action Step

Take a moment today to ask yourself: in what ways am I showing respect, reverence, and honor to the Lord in my daily life?

Also, check out the corresponding video up on YouTube now!

What is the Fear of the Lord & Why it Matters?

08.03.25
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August Goal List for Motivation & Fresh Starts

August is the month that whispers the end of summer and welcomes new beginnings.

Here are some goals we can add to our August planning!

📖 Read a book for leisure

🧹 Declutter for a new season

🧘🏾‍♀️ Stretch daily

🚶🏾‍♀️ Walk up to 2,000 steps each day

🌍 Learn a new language

👗 Refresh your wardrobe for fall

🍿 Enjoy a solo lunch or movie outing

💆🏾‍♀️ Commit to an evening self-care routine

📝 Journal your prayers to God daily

🎯 Set fresh fall goals & adjust old ones

🌱 Plant something meaningful

🥗 Eat healthy—intentionally

🌅 Go to bed early, rise with purpose

🔥 Have a backyard or living room camp-out

✨ (Leave space for a personal goal of your choice!)

💌 Send a handwritten note or card to a loved one

🎵 Start your day with worship music or gratitude

💜 Organize or refresh your creative space

💬 Speak affirmations over yourself daily

💰 Save a set amount each week ($5–$50 or more)

07.30.25
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Testimony Time: Daddy’s Little Girl

For some of us in Christ, our first encounters with Him may not be well-defined or easily told. That is the same with my story, but one thing I do know is  that God came along and made me realize that He is a Father to the fatherless.

To reiterate: not everyone has a salvation story marked by a specific date or dramatic moment—and that’s okay. I was young when I first believed. I heard God’s word in church and felt God drawing me to Him. I read the Bible stories for children when I was a little girl, and when I got a bit older, the Bible for myself. I believed within my heart and subsequently confessed with my mouth that He was my redeemer, my Lord and Savior.

I grew up without my earthly dad and have never met him. As a little girl, I thought I was okay, but as I got older, I began to see the effects of not having one. Underneath it all, at times, I have come to realize I was not okay. Yet over the years, God has continued to show up, reminding me that He is a Father to the fatherless. Through every season, He has whispered this truth into my heart:

“You are Daddy’s little girl.”

07.30.25
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Light Up Your Heart (Get Back Up)

Just some encouragement for you today:

Get back up. And don’t give up.

My Poem — Light Up Your Heart (Don’t Give Up)

You have dimmed your light for too long
That you have adjusted your vision to the dark.
Now I’m going to need you to open up your heart.


And see yourself the way God does.
You need to be brave.
I know the world seems to cave
In, on all sides.
I know you feel like you are falling apart
But you will rise to the top
And all your pieces will come together
From a version of you that is healed and better.


Don’t give up.
And don’t let go of His hand.
He will give you the wisdom and grace to stand.
Don’t give up.
Don’t give in.
Take one day at a time
Until you land
Where God is taking you to expand
And be full of His joy.


You’ve been feeling like a failure
But trust — you are going to win.
You won’t be the same tomorrow as today
Don’t give up
You will eventually be okay.

Video:

07.27.25
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Healing Journey: Playing Back Your Mental Tape

Join me on a transformative journey as we explore the depths of healing, growth, and self-love in “Healing Journey: Playing Back Your Mental Tape.”  This video was inspired by a post I wrote for my blog in 2021.  In this heartfelt video, we discuss how we must address the things on our mental tape because they can shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. From childhood memories of feeling different to navigating adult heartaches, I too bravely share some things that are on my mental tape. But I didn’t just stop there with acknowledging these things. I embarked on a healing journey.

Learn how faith, self-reflection, and open conversations can pave the way for healing and understanding. Together, let’s break free from generational curses and embrace our worth. Like and share this video to inspire others on their journeys.

To read my post that inspired this video, please click on this link: https://stcfpoetrybook.com/2021/07/01/playing-back-your-mental-tape-bring-it-to-the-surface/

07.22.25
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Your Eyes

I was inspired to write this poem during a recent moment of devotion. As I poured myself into quiet time with God and this week’s reflection, these words began to form. Without further ado, here is my poem: Your Eyes.

Today’s reflection: Look in the mirror and name one thing you appreciate about yourself today.

To my spirit and body, I appreciate your eyes.
In them, so much history abides
Years of unfortunate pain
turned in to lessons, experiences, and merciful rain
Joy once lost
Has been reclaimed.

I’ve seen the veil of depression,
Yet, I’ve seen you press through.
I see the stress too—
The exhaustion weighing heavy,
But, I see the determination you carry.

I’ve seen your anger,
Your urge to hide—
The sting of disappointments,
The tears you’ve cried.

I see the times you were impatient
And the times when you were content.

I see your shyness and humility,
Your quiet fears—and your ability,
With God’s grace to persevere,
I see the once-blurred road
Now becoming clear.

I see El Roi
The One who sees me

The bright gaze
And the intense drive that’s graced you from the start.
The smile that travels from your lips and your heart.

I see your compassion and grace for others
The collected prayers for your sisters and brothers

I see new mercies
Each time your eyelids lift.
I see hope rise
Like the morning sun—
A holy shift.

From God’s healing and restoration
My spirit blooms in transformation
And through my eyes,
My spirit finds truth in this declaration.

Continue reading →
07.18.25
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Pick Up Your Mat & Walk

I was inspired to write this post after God gave me a word of encouragement for my loved one and subsequently a reminder for myself. We are living in such uncertain times, but God is faithful, and He wants us to trust Him more than ever. The despair can sometimes be overwhelming and leave us in a paralyzed state. But we must believe God to get up. There is also a video of encouragement now up on YouTube, so check that out as well, and please share for those who also need encouragement: https://youtu.be/ltPcmKs92uE?feature=shared

It is hard to come out of despair when depression and sadness weigh you down.

What about the years of disappointment and sickness?

Hopelessness and financial hardship?

Stress and fear that feel never-ending?

When life shifts painfully and unpredictably, we wonder:

Does God still care?

Because honestly, He seems silent… and absent in the pain.

You’ve been waiting on this long road for someone—anyone—to finally stop.
To finally see you.
To finally help you into your miracle.
Your healing.
Your breakthrough.
Your new beginning.
Your change.

You begin to wonder: Maybe God doesn’t care that I’m at my breaking point. Maybe this is punishment. Maybe He won’t come through this time…

You feel weary and stuck. Life has bruised you and kept you in a place where you’re both hurting and somehow comfortable in the ditch of despair.

Yes, trials and tribulations are part of life in a broken world. Sometimes, we suffer because of our own choices and sin. Other times, simply because life happens. And sometimes, we suffer for Christ’s sake. But no matter the reason, God uses every trial to build character, deepen our faith, and draw us closer to Him.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” – Romans 5:3–4

Still, it can be hard to rejoice and even feel grateful in the midst of suffering — especially when the weight of it all feels like it’s choking the very life and hope out of you.

Yet, we must remember that this too shall pass and that our trials are temporary.
We must also allow ourselves to grieve and give ourselves grace during this time.

And when Jesus walks up beside you — yes, you — and asks, “Do you want to be healed?” Don’t respond with who didn’t help you. Don’t explain why you think healing is impossible.

Just say… Yes

Receive His healing.
Receive His care.
Receive His love.

Let hope beat loudly in your heart again.

“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit
to fill our hearts with His love.” – Romans 5:5

His love never fails.
His promises are yes and Amen.
His grace is enough.
And His salvation carries a love stronger than any present trouble.

Jesus is on His way, and He sees you. He has counted every sleepless toss and turn.
Every tear is recorded in His ledger. Every ache etched in His book (Psalm 56:8).

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

This season may be dark.
But there is light — because there is God.
He sees you.
He values you.
He weeps with you.
Even if your tears fall in the rain — He will not lose one.

Like the man at the Pool of Bethesda, you’ve been lying there waiting. You may be surrounded by others who are hurting, too. But Jesus sees you. He knows your exact condition. He wants to lift you up with His love and raise you out of despair.

“One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ ‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred…’” – John 5:5–7

But this is not about who helped you — or didn’t. This is about who is standing before you now.

Jesus.

Will you doubt Him because it’s been so long?
Or will you say yes and receive?

Don’t worry about the others who got healed first. Jesus has more than enough for you.

You tried before.
You struggled.
But now, it won’t be by your strength.

And once you say yes…

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked…” – John 5:8–9

The man was healed instantly.
But Jesus didn’t stop there. He told him to pick up the mat and walk.

Trust that when God speaks a word over your life, it will not return void. Trust that He wants you whole. Trust Him — and don’t forget your mat.

Because you won’t be in this place anymore.

And you don’t need to leave it behind for someone else to lie on.

That mat will become a testimony: proof that you’re not who you used to be. And proof God stopped beside you, saw you, and brought you out of a place you’ve been too long — all because He loves you.

May God heal you deeply — inside and out.
May your healing overflow and become a blessing to others. May you rise from this place of despair with holy boldness and walk into the future He’s already prepared. May your faith pulse through your steps.

It’s time to get up.

Pick up your mat.

And walk.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏🏾❤️

07.13.25
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Adventure Is Found In the Midst…

Are you seeking security or adventure?

I am seeking continual healing. As I mentioned before, healing is a process and an ongoing journey. And healing isn’t just for your body, but for your mind, your heart, your spirit, your finances, and your relationships. And I want healing to permeate every area of my life. 

Healing is crucial to have a clear mind, light heart, and a different outlook that allows you to respond from a healed place, not from a place of pain, projection, or fear.

And I am seeking security. When you are healed or continually healing, you feel more secure. Security or feeling secure pertains to feeling safe and having certainty, soundness, and stability.

Like many women, and due to my own trauma, I want to feel secure. But to be honest, I will assume that all human beings, male or female, want to feel safe and sound. I want to feel safe and not just physically. I want to feel safe to be myself and express my heart. I want a stable future. I’m not aiming to always be in survival mode but in thriving mode.

“I am seeking security and healing… and adventure will follow. Life is an unfolding adventure, and I choose to walk it whole.”
– Tannika Nikeya

And so I am seeking security and healing. And I am taking the necessary steps for such. Acknowledge pain, sin, and fears. Seeking counsel and taking accountability. Setting boundaries and learning to enforce them. Doing the work to create the life God and I approve of. Healing my finances and allowing God to also heal my heart. I’m getting my affairs in order as the saying goes. This is all healing homework.

And with the healing journey and our preparations for the future and making things right in the present comes adventure. Adventure will tag along through every lesson, blessing, ups and downs, storms, setbacks, revelations, memories, and moments. Life is one big adventure, and I pray grace for us to all to trust God, grow, heal, learn to pivot and persevere, and live life to the fullest.

07.13.25
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Spending Time With God|A Work In Progress

These past few weeks, I have been reading the Word of God, praying, reading my devotional my colleague got me, writing down what the Holy Spirit has been uploading to my spirit. And doing my reflection, journaling, and planning in my CPR2 planner all consistently. These times have been so sweet and fulfilling. Thank You, God, for drawing me closer and being present. Thank You for also working with me. I am a work in progress and healing continually.

07.07.25
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I Run With Purpose

I run with purpose—
Each step I take is traced
With footprints of mercy and grace.
Even when doubt tries to tag along,
And fear whispers in my ear,
I place one timid foot before the other,
Wipe my eyes,
Adjust my gaze
So I can see things clear.

Sometimes, I fail,
Desperately awaiting hope to appear along the trail.
Sometimes, I grow weary.
The race leaves me fatigued and dreary.

At times, I forget to lay
Down the burdens I was never meant to carry.
I pick up heavy baggage along the way—
Get lost and make wrong turns,
Down roads where I was never meant to tarry.
I linger too long on trails
My Father told me to leave behind.
Yet He still encourages me forward,
Keeping me connected to the Vine.

And with time—and lessons learned,
And a saving grace so divine,
With a word of compass,
And mercy,
And God’s comforting hands:
Steady and kind,
I can finish my race,
Purposefully,
One faithful step at a time.

By Tannika

(c) 2025