Holy Fear

"Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. ... Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.  May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children."  (Psa. 128:1, 4-6)

Fear of the Lord is not a popular subject.  Modern revisionists have dismissed Bible verses that speak of fearing God and have adapted hymns that once praised it.  God, we are told, is love - an entirely biblical idea; and love, we are told, tolerates anything and everything our heart desires - an entirely unbiblical idea.  So while the Bible tells us to fear God, society says He's completely harmless and tame, and will pat us on the back for whatever we do.

But we know better.  Fear is appropriate when we come into God's presence.  It isn't a fear that dreads impending judgment - perfect love casts that out (1 John 4:18) - but a fear that is overwhelmed with something so awesomely greater than ourselves.  If the sight of the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls can make us tremble, as the power of natural forces can do, the sight of supernatural power is even more terrifying.  A quick survey of Isaiah's call, the disciples' frequent reaction to Jesus' miracles, and John's vision on Patmos will confirm it: God is worthy of our fear.

That's important to remember because the fear of God - not just a healthy respect for Him - will constantly remind us that we live sacred lives in a sacred presence.  We are always, in a sense, on holy ground.  The God who has redeemed us has come to dwell within us, and we can never take sin, obedience, or even life itself casually again.  The knowledge of the Holy One is a traumatic experience with powerful results.  The presence of God changes us.

That's why this psalm tells us that those who fear the Lord are blessed - happy, fulfilled, complete.  A sacred awareness of our lives as redeemed servants of the most high God will keep us focused on reality.  It will change our behavior and our hearts in remarkable ways.  It will keep us believing, praying, and loving because the majesty of the Creator overwhelms us with faith, hope, and love.  The psalm is a promise: Blessing and prosperity come to those who do not take God casually.

"The fear of God kills all other fears."  - Hugh Black