The Bible says, “Fear not”–“Fear not, for I am with thee” (Genesis 26:24 KJV). But the Bible also says, “Fear the Lord.” If God’s Word says, “Fear not,” and yet it also says, “Fear,” which does it mean? The answer is: both.
Fear is a twofold word. It refers to an emotion marked by dread and anxious concern. But it also means awe and wonder and profound reverence. The latter is the fear that inspires trust and confidence. The Bible calls us to have the latter kind of fear.
When we fear God, we don’t cringe before Him like a prisoner robbed of freedom by a ruthless dictator. Our fear causes us to trust God with respect and trust. It is a reverence that comes from seeing the majesty and holiness and power of our loving heavenly Father.
There is no shame in being afraid. We’re all afraid from time to time. But there’s an interesting paradox here, in that if we truly fear God with all our heart, then we have nothing to fear.
Deuteronomy 10:12 Now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to Love him?
Michael & Alison Smitherman
The Singing NetSurfers
I will sing to my Lord as long as I live, I will sing
praise to my God while I have my being.
This concept becomes very clear when we think of it in terms of our earthly father. In a healthy relationship we love and trust our father. We know he will do anything for our best good. We also know that he will watch over us to ensure we act according to his good purpose and rules. We also know he will hold us accountable and punish us when we break those good rules.
Thus we both love and respect (fear) our father. That respect goes with an expectation that we will be both protected held accountable. Therefore we do not have to fear for ourselves because our father is there. But we do know and respect (fear) his sure justice and punishment when we go astray. This too, is for our best good and not to hurt us.
In trust and reverence,
Z Gardener
Good Morning Garden 