Daily EncouragementSample

“The fear of the Lord” is a majestic phrase which, when properly understood, describes man’s proper relationship to God.

“The fear of the Lord” is worship of God. We must not divorce holy fear from thoughts of awe and reverence, for it is synonymous with “the knowledge of the Holy One.” In his presence seraphim cover their faces and godly men cry “Woe is me” and fall face down.

“The fear of the Lord” is faith in God - trust in him which endures “in all kinds of trials” (1 Pet. 1:6).

“The fear of the Lord” is love for him - “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37).

“The fear of the Lord” - this is the fear which drives out all other fears, even the fear of man (Matt. 10:28).

“The fear of the Lord” - we see it pictured in the subject’s fear of his rightful monarch, the wife’s fear of her godly husband, the son’s fear of his loving father, the servant’s fear of his beneficent master.

“The fear of the Lord” - we sense it as we sing:

Oh how I fear Thee, Living God,
With deepest, tenderest fears
And worship Thee with trembling hope
And penitential tears!

Wisdom and knowledge begin with “the fear of the Lord.”