Scripture

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.” Psalm 111:10

Reflections

We read in Psalm 14:1, “Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’ ”  In contrast, we read in Psalm 111 that the wise are those who fear the Lord.  Those who fear the Lord acknowledge that there is a God.  They acknowledge their place with respect to God.

Does this mean we are to be terrified of God?  In all honesty, God is God.  He is more powerful than us.  He brought us into this world.  He can take us out of it.  He knows all the wrongs we have committed in our lives.  He is the eternal judge.  If that doesn’t bring a degree of fear to our minds, something is wrong.

Martin Luther said, “I fear God because he can squash me; I love God because he doesn’t.”  We have every reason to be fearful of God.  But we have also come to know God through Jesus Christ.  He lived a life of love.  He died for the ungodly.  He has a heart for those who are weak.  He is full of grace and mercy.

Thus, we do not need to be afraid of God.  We have a God who loves us.  When we speak of the “fear of the Lord”, we speak of having awe and reverence and respect for God.  This is a foundational truth in the life of every believer.  Fearing God means knowing him for who he really is and being in a right relationship with him.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for who you are, a God of grace and mercy.  May you have your rightful place in my life this day that I might reflect your greatness.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Psalm 111