Fear the Lord

“Fear” can mean fright or dread. But in the Bible “fear of the Lord” (a better translation of verse 14) means standing in awe, or reverence. That is a person who clings to the Lord. When we fear God, there is nothing to be afraid of! The phrase occurs frequently in Proverbs. The book begins “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (1:7). Luther said “The fear of God is reverence for and spiritual worship of Him. . . . 

For the truest worship of God does not consist in works, no matter how great and holy they may be, but in true and proper respect.” 

Study the Scripture

Read in  Proverbs 28:11-14

 For more help use this Bible Study method

REFLECTION

The One Healthy Terror

 by Mary McGinnis

During this unprecedented year of 2020, it seems like one fear after another keeps rearing its ugly head, like a 10 headed sea serpent rising out of the depths of the blackest sea.   And just when things appear to be settling down ever so slightly, another new furious serpent seems to rise again from the darkness.  

For me, this past week, has been the fear of my final cancer diagnosis as I awaited the test results from my surgery. God has been so gracious to me and provided me a good report thus far.  Thank you all for your prayers. 

Earlier this year I read a book with a group of friends by Max Lucado titled, “Fearless:  Imagine Your Life Without Fear.”  I was reminded of this when I read today’s reading.

After 14 chapters on facing our various fears in our lives, Max ends the book with the last chapter which he titled, “The One Healthy Terror.” 

He says:

“Most of our fears are poisonous. They steel sleep and pillage peace.  But this fear is different.  From a biblical perspective, there is nothing neurotic about fearing God.  The neurotic thing is NOT to be afraid, or to be afraid of the wrong thing. . . ‘Fear of the Lord’ is the deep sane recognition that we are not God.”

 

How long since you have felt this fear?  Since a fresh understanding of Christ buckled your knees and emptied your lungs?  Since a glimpse of Him left you speechless and breathless?  If it’s been a while, that explains your fears.

 

When Christ is great, our fears are not!” 

Lord, may we not be wise in our own eyes.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, who draws us to Your Righteous heart even though we don’t deserve it.  “Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:14

May we not shrink back and hide when evil seems to be winning.  Remind us that You will always triumph over evil.   “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15

May we trust You enough to even bring before You our failures, misdeeds, grievous wrongdoings and expose them to the healing touch of Your mercy.

Fill us with this One Holy Terror, the fear and reverence of who You are, who we are as we stand before You, and lead us to lovingly surrender our hearts to the cleansing flood of Your blood, poured out for us on the cross. 

When we fear God, there is nothing to be afraid of! 

Prayer Practice: 

 ‘Be still and know that I am God’ Sit in silence today and focus on God’s fearful, awesome and loving presence.”