Two Kinds of Fear: Part 2
We talked about the negative connotation of fear in the last post. In this post we will explore the good kind of fear, the fear of God.
According to Psalm 111:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Let’s look at all the benefits described in God’s Word relating to fear of Him:
“The Lord’s love is with those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:17.
Hearts are steadfast, secure when they fear the Lord: Psalm 112:7-8.
God fulfills the desires of those who fear Him: Psalm 145:19.
The Lord delights in those who fear Him: Psalm 147:11.
Fear of the Lord adds years to your life: Proverbs 10:27.
Fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from snares of death: Proverbs 14:27.
Fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble: Proverbs 19:23.
Those who fear the Lord will avoid extremes: Ecclesiastes 7:18.
Fear of the Lord causes obedience: 2 Chronicles 6:31, 33. Psalm 128:1.
Salvation is near to those who fear Him: Psalm 85:9.
Those who fear the Lord will serve faithfully and wholeheartedly: 2 Chronicles 19:9.
He who fears the Lord is a man of integrity: Nehemiah 7:2.
God provides food for those who fear Him: Psalm 111:5.
Those who fear the Lord will shun evil: Job 1:8, Proverbs 3:7.
The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them: Psalm 25:14.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them: Psalm 34:7.
We must learn to trust the Lord, and revere Him. We don’t fear Him in a bad sense – as if He will bring us harm, but we must learn to fear Him in the sense that He is much greater than we are. He is all that stands between us and disaster. Much like a good father, He teaches us, protects us, corrects us. I pray that you will begin to see that fearing this Great God is a very good thing, and that you will seek to learn everything you can about Him!
Father God, You are a marvelous Father. You can be trusted, even when we have not been able to trust our earthly fathers. You love us. You want the best for us. Today, Father, I pray that all those who read these words will be motivated to know You better. That they will seek You, and find You (as You have promised!), so that they can begin to walk without negative fears, even the spirit of fear, in their lives. Father, I ask all of these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus! Amen! So be it!