Fear of God

Psalm 33:8 - "Let all the earth fear the Lord, let all the people of the world revere him."

Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Fearing God is not the same as being afraid of God. Being afraid of someone put distance between you and them. Fearing God means being awed by his power and goodness, drawing you closer to him and to the blessings he gives. Fearing God is like the respect that you have for your parents, teachers and mentors who encourage you to do your best. You actively avoid doing anything that would offend them or cause them displeasure. A healthy fear should drive you to God for forgiveness and help you keep your perspective about where you need to be in your relationship with him.

Psalm 2:11 - "Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling."

Psalm 128:1 - "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways."

Fearing God will cause you to experience joy. Because God is so great and mighty, and because he holds the power of your life and death in his hands, you should have a healthy, reverent fear of him. A healthy fear of God recognises what he could do if he gave you what you deserved. This would be the same as being afraid of him hurting you if he didn't promise to always love and protect you.

But he does love you, and he gives you mercy and forgiveness. So a healthy fear should drive you to God in thankfulness, for forgiveness, and in awe that he wants a loving relationship with you. You fear God because of his awesome power; you love God for the way he blesses you with it and this brings the most amazing, awesome joy.

 

Fear God and be joyful!!!