Blessed Fear

Read: Psalm 128:1-2

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

Psalm 128:1

IN WORD Our logic tells us not to fear the God who defines Himself as “love” and who offers His grace freely to all who will accept it. Yet, as we’ve seen, fear is where wisdom begins. Those who fear Him will become wise, and those who do not are fools. The Scripture makes that clear.

The one who does not fear God takes a casual approach to life. The awesome beauty of creation is taken for granted. The preciousness of time and of life become less precious. Little by little, relationships become more trivial. And sin becomes a nonissue, something that doesn’t really exist or that God will just overlook without much thought. The one who does not fear God does not understand himself.

Those who do fear God, however, begin to see all things as holy. Creation is a blessing, life a privilege. Relationships and resources turn into responsibilities for stewardship, and sin becomes a tragic defamation of the character of our Father. The one who fears God begins to see sin as ugly graffiti defacing the divine property and as high treason against the divine plan. And for God-fearers, that will unsettle their minds and gnaw at their sensibilities.

What is the blessing in that? How can such a painful discontent be called a “blessed” life? Because it gives us the right perspective and puts us on the right track. It unites us with the heart of God—not a God we’re terrified of but a God who captivates us in reverence and awe. It sobers us up from our once-random, once-reckless existence. We see things as they are, and we can never take life casually again.

IN DEED What is the measure of your fear? Are you casual about the precious gifts of God? Do you take grace for granted and see your sin as tolerable? Are your relationships take-them-or-leave-them propositions? Are your time and resources carelessly managed? Let any symptoms of fearlessness alarm you. Laugh and enjoy life, but fear God. Love Him warmly, but respect Him deeply. You will know what it is to be blessed.

Fear the Lord, then, and you will do everything well.

—HERMAS