Devotion: Fear Of The Lord

During the days of my youth, I remember that “fear of the Lord” I had when I first heard the story of the flood and the stories about the fire and brimstone.  Those stories made me absolutely petrified of God.  I remember thinking that one disobedient act on my part would cause God to punish me for that sin.  Because of my youth and my understanding of what was being said (taught) and/or my misapplication of what I heard, I believed God would strike me dead, raining fire and brimstone on me as punishment, when I committed a sin, because in my mind, immediate death was associated with a sinful act.

As I look back at the fear that I had for God then, I realize that that kind of fear was not the kind of fear I needed to have for God.  It was extremely unhealthy and gave me the wrong impression of who God truly is.  Though I was taught to never question God, the pastor, or any adult leaders in the church, I could not help but wonder why the God everyone told me loved us so much could be so cruel and mean.  Today, my definition of fear as it pertains to God is completely different.  Instead of being petrified, I now have a reverence for God and a desire to do all that I can to please him.  Funny how your opinion of God can change when you “diligently seek to truly know him” (Hebrews 11:6).

A Psalm of David.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.  Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.  For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.  And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.  When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.  When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.  Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.  I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” (Psalm 27:1-14).

We pray that today’s inspirational message will give you a new perspective on what it means to have “a fear of the Lord.”  As always, we pray that this commentary along with the devotional will bless you, inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If you are blessed by this message, please share it so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW