Fear of the Lord
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”
Today’s Text: Psalm 111 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
Language is a pretty mysterious thing. Words have nuances that are very rich and deep. We hardly notice those nuances, though, because our heart language exists deep inside the very nature of who we are as human beings.
But when we think about language and words, it’s like looking into a kaleidoscope. Turn it one way, and it has one image. Turn it another way, and it has another.
And that’s especially true with theologically rich phrases, like “fear of the LORD.” The phrase often needs to be explained, Because for many people, the phrase “fear of the LORD” might evoke traumatic experiences with an abusive father or mother or some bully in the past. In that case, the emotional result may be dread or loathing of God.
We should all have a very strong sense of the power of God. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, the Giver of life, the Author of our salvation, the Redeemer of our souls.
But the reality that He literally holds our lives in His hands, should not inspire dread or loathing of God, because God is good, and God is love.
And so the proper response to God’s power and goodness and love is really common sense. When we don’t truly understand God’s power and goodness and live, we lack common sense. And when we lack godly common sense, our response is dread and loathing of God. When we have godly common sense—that is, fear of the LORD—we give to Him our eternal praise.
Father, You are good; You are almighty; You are from everlasting to everlasting. To You belongs all glory, honor, and praise. Help me to understand Your fearsome love, so that I may fear You and have good common sense. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
