Fear Of God

Fear of God

What does it mean to fear the Lord?

God’s Response

Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11

Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. Exodus 1:21

Let us work toward complete purity because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Many words in the English language have several strikingly different definitions. For example, anger can mean unbridled temper or it can mean righteous indignation. Love can mean lust or unconditional commitment. Normally we think of fear as an unpleasant emotion tied to anxious concern or outright terror of being harmed. But there is another definition of fear that can lead to something good and wonderful. The fear of God is complete awe and respect for him, a realization that everything he says about love and justice is true. Because God is great and mighty, and because he holds the power of life and death in his hands, a healthy and reverent fear of him helps us to respond to him as we should. This draws us closer to him and to the blessings he gives.

God’s Promise

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10