Fear the Lord and Fear Not; Awe and Reverence for GodSample

What is Fear of the Lord?

Fear is one of the most destructive forces in the world. It can kill us and is one of the greatest destroyers of motivation. Two definitions of fear are:

• Feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, pain, etc.
• Respectful dread that leads to awe and reverence.

In a broad sense, fear can be an obsession with anything or anyone. To fear something or someone other than God is idolatry - like sickness, criticism, losing a job, failure, etc. We're placing something or someone else on the throne of our heart instead of the Lord. If we are obsessed to a fearful degree with anyone other than the One, True God, it is destructive and will eventually destroy us. Job 3:25 "What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me."

However, if our lives focus on the living and uncreated God, that's wonderful; fear of God is good as both the Old Testament and New Testament commands. Fearing God is a part of worshiping Him; it recognizes that He is exalted far above us, and we draw near in having awe and reverence for His power, presence, and attributes. Fearing God is not a paralyzing fear, but it is more than awesome respect.

We must fear God if we are to embrace Him in a desire to learn how He wants us to live and how to worship Him. Fearing Him gives us a foundation for our life that includes developing self-discipline, an openness to learning, and godly wisdom. We will develop a hesitation to be disobedient, and at the same time, adoration of Him that encourages us to be obedient to what He asks us to do. We recognize and acknowledge His position as the highest Holy One who is Creator of all things.

• Jeremiah 10:7; "Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you."
• Job 28:28 "The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."
• Proverbs 14:27 "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death."

Give your complete trust to the Lord in godly and pure fear, adoration, and desire to be all He wants you to be in your life. He promises wisdom and guidance for those who ask, so go ahead and ask, taking time to wait on His timing and listen to the Spirit's whispers. He is with you!