Fear of the Lord

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Fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins; 
sure knowledge is for all who keep God's laws.
God's praise lasts forever!
- Psalm 111:10 (CEB)-


Let’s face it, fear probably isn’t anyone’s favorite topic. We prefer to avoid our fears and often face them begrudgingly. Because of this, reading passages which say to “fear the Lord” can sound weird to us. However, often in the Bible, fear refers to something besides simply terror. Fear can also be the idea of being completely amazed at something truly awe-inspiring. When someone is filled with awe at something, there is an idea of amazement which captures their mind and heart. I think of going to a concert with your absolute favorite singer and then getting to meet the person afterwards. There is excitement, awe, and it’s probably the only thing you’re going to think about the week prior or the week after!

Our God - the creator, savior, compassionate, just, good God - is much greater than any human musician. Though certainly people in the Bible were driven to a kind of terror-like fear of the Lord in the Bible, this is more the idea presented when we are told to fear the Lord. Along these lines, “fearing the Lord” means having God in the forefront of our minds - our number one priority - as we go about our days. God captures our mind, heart, and soul when we fear Him. Fearing God in this way does not necessarily mean we will have an easy time with the rest of the things in our lives. However, putting God first helps give us wisdom and peace concerning the things in our lives.

What it means to fear God and put Him first may look different for each of you. It could mean a few minutes in the morning or evening reading a devotional, reading your Bible, or praying. It could mean listening to the Bible on your phone when you’re in between the different aspects of your day. I hope that this week you will find one way to fear the Lord and put God first in your day.

 To Read More: Psalm 111

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