A popular response to the question about fear would be that it is an unpleasant feeling triggered by the perception of danger, whether real or imagined. Being hardwired into self-preservation is human. Our minds dart to the familiar phrase of “fight or flight” when we sense a paralysing threat to our life or well-being.

But fear can be helpful. The correct fear can force us into extreme concentration and guide us to shed unnecessary distractions. In the spirit of this statement, I want to challenge you by demonstrating how the Fear of God, when understood and applied in its intended dialogue, will enable you to face challenges and reap many benefits.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.” - Proverbs 9:10-11(NIV)
  • What does it mean to fear God?
  • Why does the Bible command us to fear God?
“THE ONLY FEAR YOU SHOULD HAVE, IS THE FEAR OF THE LORD!”
  1. FEAR IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS:
  • UNIVERSAL FEAR: These are fears that we all have in common. It is universal; no matter where this happens, people will probably react the same.  For example, if a lion were to enter a building full of people, it would be safe to assume everyone would be afraid. People would probably scatter in every direction to save themselves from possible doom.
  • PERSONAL FEARS: These are different types of phobias. These types of fears are so consequential and realistic to the person experiencing them that the reality of it is so overwhelming that it shapes their life.
  • FEAR OF THE LORD or HOLY FEAR: This fear is entirely different from all other fears. Our focus needs to be on this form of fear.

We have a loving Father. One who was so devoted to the world that He sent His own Son as a ransom for our forgiveness. But being our Heavenly Father, why would He then tell us to fear Him? This subject has a depth that challenges all proverbial off-the-cuff interpretations.

Certain words are synonymous with certain other words. For example, when I say faith, then you would say trust. Two of the most equivalent words for “fear of the Lord” would be “reverence” and “honour”.  In essence, known as “holy fear”.

“PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT ALL FEAR!”

2. DECIPHERING THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD:

As written in 1 John 4:18 (GNT), we are taught that “perfect love casts out fear”, but then the verse throws a curve ball and states that fear involves torment. So, is fear a good thing or a bad thing to have? Whenever you come upon what seems to be a contradiction in the Bible, it only lends to the fact that there is a revelation embedded in discovery.

What is clear here is that the incorrect fear will bring torment but that the fear of the Lord will bring liberation and deliverance from tormenting fear. The only fear God wants you to have in your life is the Fear of the Lord.

  • THE POWER OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD: Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

The valley of the shadow of death is an expression of the perils we experience in our lives. But David boldly proclaims that he will not fear these threats, which tells me that there must be another fear that is greater than the fear of death. David discovered that the Fear of the Lord is more powerful than any other opposing fear and drives out every fear that is not of God.

  • MEASURING THE FEAR OF THE LORD: Deuteronomy 6:1-2 (NKJV)

Our instruction is to obey ALL God’s statutes, not only the ones that suit us. By this commandment, God has given us a measuring tool to measure how much we fear God. The Fear of the Lord is measured by how much of the Word you believe. Meaning how much of the Word is in operation in your life. Your level of revelation of the living Word.

  • UNDERSTANDING GOD’S STATUTES:

A Statute is nothing more than a written document or, more accurately, a written law. As believers, we can safely say that the document written to us is the Word of God. However, God’s Word is not only written but also spoken. That is why the Bible says that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from God’s mouth. Because the spirit of this age is compromising, many think they do not have to keep God’s Word anymore. This announces the perversion of Grace into your life, and when this happens, it is evidence that you do not fear God in those areas.

  • THE FEAR OF THE LORD CONDITIONS YOUR CONDUCT AND YOUR OUTLOOK Joshua 24:14 (NKJV).

Your service to God is birthed out of your fear or reverence for God. Where the Fear of the Lord is, the truth will become a reality. It will also empower you to walk in truth. By the Fear of the Lord, you can practice constraint.

  • WHERE THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS, YOU WILL ALSO FIND HIS GLORY:

Holy fear is the key to a solid foundation, and unlocking the treasures of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. This key that will cause His glory to come into your life.

To give God the reverence He deserves, we must pursue the knowledge of the greatness of His glory and be deliberate in our pursuit to grow in our relationship with Him daily. The Fear of the Lord is a biblical paladin of assured victory and should form part of your weapon system and daily walk with the King of Glory, Jesus Christ.

“THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS YOUR SPIRITUAL SEATBELT!”


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