fear (feer) noun reverential awe
When I hear the word "fear," I automatically think of being afraid. This confused me whenever I read about "fearing God." Why I was I supposed to be afraid of the One who loves me the most? But then I read an excerpt in my Bible that changed everything. It said this:
"'Fear' of the Lord means to have total respect and admiration for the Creator of the universe. To fear the Lord means to see how much bigger, smarter, more powerful - so much more everything - God is than we can imagine. That feeling of awe at who God is - that is part of fearing the Lord."
That explanation changed everything for me. It wasn't about being scared of God, but being so overwhelmed by his characteristics that you are in reverential awe. Below are ten bible verses to help you understand the true meaning of Fearing the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:24 "And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day."
1 Samuel 12:24 "But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you."
Job 28:28 "And this is what he says to all humanity: The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding."
Psalm 31:19 "How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you."
Psalm 33:18 "But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love."
Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."
Proverbs 22:4 "Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life."
Isaiah 33:6 "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."
Malachi 4:2 "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture."
Luke 1:50 "His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation."
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