Forty Days Without FearSample

FEAR OF GOD IS THE ANTIDOTE TO FEAR OF MAN 

When we hear the word ‘fear’ what images come to mind? Maybe the word reminds us of an event or person in our past, or maybe a challenge we are currently facing. 

Maybe the word makes us feel helpless and vulnerable, or it throws us off-guard in some way. The word ‘fear’ is always going to remind us of something that’s for sure, and it’s usually going to be negative! 

‘Fear’ has very negative connotations in society today, and in most cases deservedly so. We use the word when talking about our deepest worries, and the things we are most scared about. However, there is one unique instance in which the use of the word ‘fear’ is actually overwhelmingly positive. The fear we are talking about is the 'fear of God.' 

Today’s verse says that fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. What this means is wisdom in life grows out of fearing God. The fear it is referring to is a positive fear, displayed in great reverence for the awesome nature of God. 

In this context, fear does not mean we must be petrified of God, but rather to be in awe of His goodness and greatness. This is good news, as the more we understand how mighty and powerful God is, and what He does for us, the less we fear others and what they may try to do to us. Fear of God is actually the antidote to the fear of man!

A few years back in our youth ministry at Hillsong UK, we would use the Hashtag #TheFearlessGeneration and even though there is nothing wrong with that I now know that if we really want to fear people less we must fear God more. #TheFearOfGodGeneration #JerryLorenzo 

Action: Think of someone or something that feels intimidating to us and present it to God. Ask Him to show us His perspective and anything He may want us to know about the person or situation. Pray into what He says and act on His words!