The Joy of the Journey
Do You Fear God?
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of the fear of God in the life of a believer. The fear of God is far from a paralyzing terror. The fear of God is rooted in reverence, awe, and deep respect for God’s majesty, holiness, and power. The fear of God is vital for spiritual growth, moral integrity, and living in obedience to His will. Numerous scriptures support the idea that the fear of God is essential for a believer to grasp God’s nature and relationship with Him fully.
So, what is the fear of God? The fear of God in Scripture refers to a profound reverence for God’s holiness and authority, recognizing His sovereignty over all creation. Proverbs 9:10 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” This passage highlights that true wisdom starts with a correct view of God, acknowledging His greatness and humbling us in light of His majesty.
This fear is not the same as being afraid of God in a way that distances us from Him. Instead, it draws us closer by showing who He truly is—a just, merciful, and all-powerful God. This reverence leads to a life aligned with God’s will, rooted in humility and obedience. The fear of God is about acknowledging His greatness and submitting to His rule in every aspect of life.
One of the key aspects of fearing God is that it leads to a life of obedience and holiness. Psalm 112:1 reinforces this connection between the fear of God and obedience: “Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in His commands.” Those who fear God delight in following His ways because they understand His commandments express His wisdom and love. The fear of God motivates believers to seek righteousness and turn away from sin, living in a way that reflects His holiness. Believers who fear God are mindful of their conduct and strive to live by God’s instructions, not out of dread of punishment but out of respect and love for His authority. It also reveals that obedience is for our good, as God’s commands guide us toward the abundant life He intends for all His children to live.
The fear of God is repeatedly associated with wisdom in the Bible. Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse emphasizes that without a proper fear of God, one cannot truly gain understanding. Reverence for God opens the door to spiritual discernment, guiding us to make choices in line with His truth rather than our desires or the shifting values of the world.
A believer who fears God seeks to live a life pleasing to Him, trusting that His wisdom surpasses human understanding. Psalm 25:12 says, “Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.” Here, we see that fearing God is linked to divine guidance and direction. His wisdom leads those who fear Him in all their decisions as they seek to live in His will.
The fear of God is essential in our pursuit of holiness. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul writes, “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” This passage reminds us that the fear of God calls us to live set-apart lives, striving for purity and holiness in response to His greatness and love.
The fear of God serves as the foundation for wisdom, obedience, holiness, and reverence. Through the fear of God, believers are drawn into deeper intimacy with Him, guided by His wisdom, and empowered to live lives that reflect His glory. Far from being an oppressive or negative force, the fear of God is a powerful motivator for righteous living and a source of profound comfort and security in the life of a believer. By embracing the fear of God, we align ourselves with His purpose, experience His blessings, and find true peace in His presenc
