The Fear Of The Lord - Part 1

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” Psalm 111:10 ESV

There is a contrast between the fear of the Lord which is the starting place for wisdom with fear that controls, manipulates and torments its victim. A general principal we need to understand is that what we fear has power over us and controls us. The fear of the Lord is qualified and should not be confused with fear that undermines our faith and drives us from God. 

An important choice we make in life is where we place our faith. Something to consider that is also important is where we choose to place our fear. Fear can be defined as respect and reverence or it can be defined as dread or horror. There are positive and negative aspects to consider when we define fear. Negative or ungodly fear is in opposition to our faith, yet positive or godly fear will build our faith.

The fear of the Lord is not being scared or afraid of God. We are scared or afraid when we have something to hide, as Adam was in the Garden of Eden after he sinned. “And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:10 ESV. Being scared or afraid will cause you to turn away from God and hide from Him. When we have the fear of the Lord we have nothing to hide; we open our entire life to Him and will not turn away from Him. The fear of the Lord will result in you departing from evil and turning to God. “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV.  To fear the Lord is to love what he loves and hate what he hates and to firmly embrace His heart.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we pray for a proper perspective and understanding of the fear of the Lord in contrast to fear that undermines our faith. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV.

God bless,

Pastor Matt