How do we Fear the Lord?
The book of Jeremiah contains pillar warnings for those who turn away from the Lord to commit rebellion and idol worship. Jeremiah 5:23-24 NIV says, “… these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say to themselves, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God…”
The people from Jeremiah’s time received due consequences for their sins; however, those sins started with a lack of reverence for the Lord in their hearts. They no longer held esteem for the greatness of God in their hearts, and, as a result, they no longer feared the Lord.
If God’s wrath is poured upon those who do not fear the Lord in their hearts, then what happens when you fear the Lord? And, how do we fear the Lord?
The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning
Defining the term “fear of the Lord” may be difficult as there is no direct description, but we can use different characteristics in Bible verses for meaning and understanding. There are two verses that describe the fear of the Lord as a beginning. Proverbs 1:7 describes the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge, and Proverbs 9:10 describes the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” ~ Proverbs 1:7 NIV
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” ~ Proverbs 9:10 NIV
Just as the warnings in Jeremiah describe a people who turned away from the Lord because they did not fear the Lord, we turn towards God when we begin to fear the Lord. That moment we turn towards God, we experience the beginning of knowledge and wisdom.
If the fear of the Lord is the reason we turn towards God, then what is it about God that makes us fear him? We fear God when we know who He is. He is the Alpha, the Omega, the Beginning, the End, Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Creator, the Lord of Hosts, and the God of Angel Armies. He is the Great I Am. It is God’s character, his greatness, and his goodness that keep us in awe of who He really is, and that’s the fear of the Lord.
What happens when you Fear the Lord?
“Fear the LORD, you holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” ~ Psalms 34:9 NIV
“The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” ~ Proverbs 19:23 NIV
“The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.” ~ Proverbs 10:27 NIV
The simplest answer to what happens when you fear the Lord is that you love God so much that you strive to live within the center of God’s will continually. This is not some magical “If-Then” way to live. It is not if you live in the fear of the Lord, then life will be easy. It is if you live in the fear of the Lord, then you will always remain in the center of God’s will. And the center of God’s will is the best place to live. In the center of God’s will, you will find blessing, provision, rest, peace, and promises despite life’s troubles.
How do we fear the Lord?
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.” ~ Psalms 33:8 NIV
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding–indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” ~ Proverbs 2:1-5 NIV
How do we fear the Lord? I think this is the most important question of this entire post, and it can only be explained by example. I think Moses or David would be great examples to look at; however, I am going to write about my father-in-law, Pastor Jack.
Pastor Jack always wore a suit and wingtips (fancy shoes) when he was serving the Lord. The only exception to this was during his basketball ministry because you cannot run down the court in wingtips. He never wore the suit and wingtips because it was what he had to do or for some legalistic reason. He wore the suit and wingtips when he was serving the Lord because it aligned his heart with reverence and reminder of who God is.
What are you doing to align your heart with reverence and reminder of who God is? For me, being still in God’s presence helps me to revere God and reminds me of God’s character, goodness, and greatness. My close Bible study friend reads a set of Bible verses aloud daily for the same reasons. You do not have to wear a suit and wingtips to fear God, but you do need to align your heart with reverence and reminder of who God is.
Additional Fear of the Lord verses
“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
“…The fear of the Lord–this is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” ~ Job 28:28 NIV
“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.” ~ Psalms 19:9 NIV
“He will bless those who fear the LORD–small and great alike.” ~ Psalms 115:13 NIV
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.” ~ Proverbs 3:7 NIV
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” ~ Proverbs 14:27 NIV
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” ~ Proverbs 22:4 NIV
Join us on a 30-Day Faith Journey
Follow us on Pinterest for more Bible Study topics