then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. — Proverbs 2:5
All my life I have heard Christians trying to explain what "the fear of the Lord" is. Some say it is "reverent awe." Others say it is "dread." Others say it is "abject terror."
I would like to suggest that what it is depends on where you are. Let me use an illustration I’ve used before. When I’m inside my brother-in-law’s semi truck going 70 mph down the highway, I’m very comfortable. But I am afraid to stand out in the road in front of it. I know that I don’t have the ability to stop 40,000 pounds of metal moving at 70 mph. I would get squashed.
So, inside the semi, I am completely at peace. Outside the semi, I have a healthy respect for it. In the path of the semi, I would be scared like crazy unless and until I got out of the way. Same fear, different location.
So the fear of the Lord must not be mistaken for a desire on God’s part to terrorize His children. Instead, it is an invitation to come inside at be at peace.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.