“He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” – Isaiah 33:6 NIV
I used to think of the “fear of the Lord” as more of a “tip toe” kind of thing. Tiptoeing around a distant God that I was too afraid and too spooked to approach.
I understood “fear of God” as being reverent, but never did I see “fearing God” as a positive thing –as a relationship of dependence, love and trust — awe, wonder and respect.
I didn’t get it because all I ever knew was unhealthy fear –healthy and biblical “fear” gone twisted and wrong.
But I’m learning that “fearing Him” means trusting Him and obeying Him because we love Him and we respect Him –and it all comes out of a relationship with Him.
It’s a healthy reverence and respect that comes automatically with the relationship we have with Him.
It’s knowing He’s big –He’s the Almighty. And it’s knowing that He tenderly holds us close, listens to us, teaches us, leads us–as a Father –and as Almighty God.
“Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.… Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” Psalm 34:11, 13-14
There is strength found in the fear of the Lord — it is wise to fear the Lord — trusting that He knows what’s best for us, trusting that His way is good, as the NKJV version says in Isaiah 33:6,
“The fear of the Lord is His treasure”
It’s the beginning of wisdom!
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever” -Psalm 111:10
This was completely the opposite of what I had in my head for so long!
“The fear of God is an attitude of respect, a response of reverence and wonder. It is the only appropriate response to our Creator and Redeemer” (Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible, 1997, note on Psalm 128:1).
Thank You Lord, for taking me through this journey of untwisting my perception of You. I am learning that it all comes out of having relationship with You — a beautiful, wonderful kind of relationship. The kind of relationship where I can approach You, talk with You, ask You things, sit with You… and then You teach me and I learn to obey and trust because I love You. It all comes from that place. You are a good. Thank you for this treasure.
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death” -Proverbs 14:27
-Heather ?