To “fear the Lord” comes with a lot of emotions. Are we supposed to be afraid of God? Is He a mean, harsh being just waiting for us to mess up so He can punish us?
These are common questions, and I’ve wrestled with them myself, and I’ve learned that the answer is no. God is not a tyrant standing over us with a gavel, ready to strike. Instead, the “fear of the Lord” is an invitation to stand in awe of who He is—to recognize His holiness, power, and love in a way that shapes our lives.
The idea of fear often brings negative images to mind, but the Bible shows us something different. The “fear of the Lord” isn’t about being terrified; it’s about reverence. It’s about living in awe of a God who is both holy and near. It’s the kind of reverence that makes you pause and marvel at the Creator of the universe, who also knows you intimately and loves you deeply.
Proverbs 1:7 reminds us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (NLT). This kind of fear is where wisdom begins. It’s where we see God as He truly is—not distant and harsh, but powerful and personal. When we fear the Lord, we’re not running away from Him. We’re running toward Him, amazed by His greatness and comforted by His goodness.
Think about those moments in life that take your breath away: standing on the edge of an ocean, staring at the stars on a clear night, or holding a newborn baby. Those moments leave us in awe. That’s what the fear of the Lord feels like—it’s humbling, grounding, and inspiring all at once. It reminds us that while we are small, we are loved and known by the One who holds it all together.
The “fear of the Lord” also transforms how we live. It leads us to turn away from sin, not because we’re scared of punishment, but because we don’t want to hurt the heart of the One who loves us so much. It’s a reverence that makes us want to reflect His goodness in how we speak, act, and live.
Psalm 147:11 tells us, “The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love” (NLT). To fear the Lord is to trust Him—to place our hope in His love, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. It’s a reminder that He is in control and that His plans for us are always good.
This week, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the greatness of God. Spend a few quiet moments marveling at His creation. Meditate on a passage of Scripture that reminds you of His holiness and love. Ask Him to help you grow in reverence for who He is. As you do, let the fear of the Lord inspire awe, trust, and obedience in your heart.
The fear of the Lord isn’t something to shy away from or be afraid of—it’s an invitation to draw closer to Him, to know Him more deeply, and to let His greatness shape your life.
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