The fear of the Lord is recognizing that you are not God.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10 NKJV.
My thoughts and comments today are about, “holy fear and reverence.”
There are times, things, situations, and people that warrant caution. Healthy fears can be lifesaving; most fears are unhealthy for you. Unhealthy fears are neurotic, destroying peace and stifling joy. Neurotic fear can be debilitating. Fear magnifies your imagination and distorts your perceived reality. Fear misdirects expectations to the lowest possible projection. A baby is born with only two fears: the fear of falling and loud noises. Others are learned along the way, unfortunately. Addressing and overcoming fear in constructive ways are important for emotional and physical well-being.
The Bible has much wisdom to differentiate fears which are either hurtful or helpful. Solomon, whose greatest desire was wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7-11 NKJV), learned where all wisdom begins. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by [wisdom] your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.” Proverbs 9:10-11 NKJV. The Bible has much to say about “the fear of the Lord.” People wrongly equate it with other fears, which at their base have an inner concern of personal danger or harm. See Proverbs 29:25 NIV. The fear of the Lord is nothing like natural fears, except when misunderstood.
Adam and Eve hid themselves from God then explained to Him, “We heard your voice and were afraid.” Genesis 3:10 NKJV. Their fear was a lack in their own character, not from a lack in God’s character. Gods’ response? He provided covering for their shame and promised them a Savior. How do you not love a God like that?
I think many have a distorted an understanding of Godly fear. Incorrectly, a person who neither understands God’s holy nature and righteous character, nor is committed to the unvarying truth of Scripture’s revelation of God, may live under a false fear of what God may do to them. What you are capable of doing to God should be your fear – ignoring Him, disobeying Him, disbelieving Him, disappointing Him, or misrepresenting Him to others. You are more likely to “hurt God” by how you treat Him than He would ever harm you.
I came upon a quote deserving reflection, “The fear of the Lord is the deeply sane recognition that we are not God.” To that, I would add, “. . and a holy recognition that He is.” Unhealthy fears are often the product of one’s ignorance of God’s existence or stubborn disbelieve in His caring and character. It helps if you understand what the Bible calls fear, as it relates to one’s relationship with God, is “the attitude of respect and reverential awe,” a sublimely positive affection rather than a negative emotion. The practical elements of the fear of the Lord and reverence are: a clear understanding of God’s nature, a pure obedience to God’s Word, and a clean heart in God’s presence.
I love the Bible’s description that “the believers were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:31 NLT. The Spirit’s comfort seems proportional, if not dependent, upon your devotion to walking in the fear of the Lord. I desire to be one who values the righteous fear of the Lord because I do not want to ever be apart from the Spirit’s comfort. I trust that you examine and determine that you desire the same.
Today, I pray for you to prize a holy reverence for God and His wisdom.
Christian Communications 2016