How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. Psalm 112:1b (NAS)

Throughout Scripture, the fear of the Lord is presented as an important mindset for God’s people. In fact, it is a blessing! Yet we often hear it diminished to great respect and esteem for God’s character, the argument being that a good and loving God should not inspire fear. But in doing so, we minimize His holiness, judgment, and perfection. If we are too quick to mitigate the fear of the Lord, we devalue the price Jesus paid for us on the cross. Only when we recognize the severity of our sin and realize the punishment we deserve, are we able to receive the riches of His grace. To His power and righteousness, our rightful response is humility, reverence, and even trembling. To His grace, we respond with deepest gratitude. The fear of the Lord is indeed the beginning of wisdom.

Dear Lord,

You alone are perfect. Thank You for teaching me that my sin is an affront to Your holiness. Thank You for inspiring fear in my heart so that I would joyfully embrace the saving grace of Jesus. My words are inadequate, but please help me to live in such a way that I bring honor to You.

I love You, Lord.

Amen.