The Fear That Leads to Knowing God
Proverbs 2:5 (NLT) – Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.”
Yesterday we learnt that the fear of the Lord is not something we are born understanding but it is something we grow into as we seek God sincerely. Today we want to understand what it means to fear the Lord and WHY we must fear and reverence Him.
This fear is not terror, but reverent awe. It begins when we recognize God’s HOLINESS. He is pure, perfect, and set apart. He hates sin me abhors iniquity. As we acknowledge His holiness, our hearts learn humility, and our lives become shaped by worship rather than convenience.
We also learn to fear the Lord as we recognize His AUTHORITY AND POWER. God is Creator and King, ruling over all. Everything submits to Him. He is the owner of the earth and the heavens. Reverence grows when we release our desire for control and trust His leadership, even when we don’t fully understand His ways.
Understanding the fear of the Lord also means honoring His JUSTICE. God is righteous in all He does, and His standards matter. He sees everyone’s heart and knows our thoughts. He is not a respecter of persons but rewards everyone in due time according to their deeds. This awareness should lead us to live with integrity, knowing that obeying Him is not about restriction but about walking in truth for our own good.
Finally, the fear of the Lord is rooted in His LOVE AND MERCY. God is both mighty and gracious. His forgiveness invites us into a relationship filled with trust, gratitude, and commitment. We reverence Him not because we are amazed by His grace. As we make up our minds to continue to fear Him, we discover God’s wisdom which is far greater than our own.
Prayer
Father, please help me to understand what it truly means to fear You. Teach me to walk in reverence, to seek Your wisdom, and to grow in the knowledge of who You are. Draw me closer to You as I choose to honor You with my life in Jesus name, Amen.
