The Fear of God: Embracing His Holiness and Power

Always Good, Never Safe: Understanding the Fear of God

As humans, we have a natural tendency to fear things that we cannot control or understand. This fear can be healthy in some situations, such as when it motivates us to take precautions against danger. However, when fear dominates our thoughts and actions, it can become a hindrance to our relationship with God.

One of the most common misconceptions about God is that he is safe. We often view him as a kindly grandfather figure who is always there to comfort us and protect us from harm. While it is true that God is loving and merciful, he is also holy and just. The Bible describes God as a consuming fire, a jealous God, and a righteous judge (Hebrews 12:29, Exodus 34:14, Psalm 7:11).

The Fear of God in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people who had a healthy fear of God. In Genesis 22, we read about Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac because he feared God more than he feared the loss of his beloved child. In Exodus 3, Moses encountered God in the burning bush and was so overwhelmed by his holiness that he hid his face in fear. In Isaiah 6, the prophet saw a vision of God's glory and cried out, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty" (Isaiah 6:5).

The fear of God is not just an Old Testament concept. In the New Testament, we see numerous examples of people who feared God. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus tells his disciples, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." In Acts 5, we read about Ananias and Sapphira, who were struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit. This event caused great fear to come upon the church (Acts 5:11).

The Difference Between Fear and Dread

It is important to note that there is a difference between the fear of God and a sense of dread or terror. Dread and terror are emotions that are associated with punishment and judgment. The fear of God, on the other hand, is a deep reverence and awe for his holiness and power. It is a recognition that God is not safe, but he is always good.

When we have a healthy fear of God, we are motivated to obey his commands and live in a way that honors him. We recognize that our sinfulness separates us from him and that we are in need of his mercy and grace. This fear leads us to repentance and humility before God.

The Benefits of the Fear of God

The fear of God is not something to be afraid of. In fact, it is a beneficial and necessary aspect of our relationship with God. Here are some of the benefits of having a healthy fear of God:

1. Wisdom

Proverbs 9:10 tells us that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." When we fear God, we recognize that he is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. We are motivated to seek his guidance and direction in our lives.

2. Protection

Psalm 34:7 says, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." When we fear God, we are under his protection. He watches over us and guards us from harm.

3. Forgiveness

Psalm 130:4 says, "But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you." When we fear God, we are more likely to confess our sins and ask for his forgiveness. We recognize that we have offended a holy and righteous God and that we are in need of his mercy.

4. Joy

Psalm 128:1 says, "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him." When we fear God and obey his commands, we experience joy and contentment in our lives. We are living in the way that he intended for us to live.

Loving God and Fearing God

Some people may feel that the fear of God is incompatible with the love of God. They may view fear as a negative emotion, something that is associated with punishment and judgment. However, the Bible teaches us that the fear of God is not only compatible with love, but it is also an essential aspect of it.

In Deuteronomy 6:5, we read, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This verse teaches us that we are to love God completely, with all that we are. This includes our fear and reverence for him. When we love God, we recognize his holiness and power, and we respond with awe and respect.

Jesus himself teaches us about the relationship between love and fear. In John 14:15, he says, "If you love me, keep my commands." When we love Jesus, we obey his commands out of reverence and respect for him. This obedience is motivated by our fear of displeasing him, not by a sense of dread or terror.

The Importance of a Healthy Fear of God

As we have seen, the fear of God is an essential aspect of our relationship with him. It is not something to be afraid of, but it is something to be embraced. When we fear God, we recognize his holiness and power. We are motivated to obey his commands and live in a way that honors him. We experience the benefits of his protection, forgiveness, and joy.

However, it is important to have a healthy fear of God. This means that we do not allow fear to dominate our thoughts and actions. We do not view God as a harsh judge who is waiting to punish us for our mistakes. Instead, we recognize that he is always good, even when we do not understand his ways.

When we have a healthy fear of God, we are able to approach him with confidence and trust. We know that he loves us and desires the best for us. We can rest in the assurance that he is always with us, guiding us and protecting us.

Conclusion

The fear of God is an essential aspect of our relationship with him. It is not something to be afraid of, but it is something to be embraced. When we fear God, we recognize his holiness and power. We are motivated to obey his commands and live in a way that honors him. We experience the benefits of his protection, forgiveness, and joy.

As we navigate the uncertainties of life, may we always remember that God is always good, even when we do not understand his ways. May we approach him with a healthy fear and reverence, knowing that he loves us and desires the best for us.