When you hear about the fear of the Lord, what comes to mind? Israelites cowering under a thunderous Mount Sinai? Some College Schoolmasters beating discipline into their students? Preachers thumping a lectern? Pastors genuflecting in front of an altar? Proverbs 31 sums up our noble friend as ‘a woman who fears the Lord’ (verse 31). but for some that phrase brims over with helpful misunderstandings – human interpretations demanding strict, life-sucking and at times, painful adherence to a set of rules.
So, lets remind ourselves of some truths. ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ (Proverb 9:10); it inspires an upright, godly life. But it is far more than an outward show of obeisance, discomfort or pious behavior and should not cause us distress or apprehension. That kind of negative fear is potentially demanding, discouraging and ill-motivated. A true sense of the fear of God is inspiring, releasing, edifying, comforting and secure. It nurtures faith, hones our lives and puts our outlook on this world back into the right perspective – God’s perspective.
In Gen 17, Abraham prostrated himself before God not out of terror but because he was overwhelmed by His love, power and purpose, and consequently felt uncomfortable staying upright in his presence. And so, he fell face down to the ground in awe.
Furthermore, Deut 6 sums up the blessings of fearing God, ‘that it may go well with you’ (verse 3). As we foster reverent fear we avail ourselves of God’s life-transforming wisdom and grace and secure sense of wellbeing, even within our difficulties and sadness.
I pray that God will reveal Himself afresh to your heart and mind
