The Fear of God — A LifeWords Devotion

Some experts tell us that the way we view and understand God is very much shaped by how we viewed or understood our own fathers. A tyrannical, abusive father might distort our adult perception of God. An emotionally absent and disinterested father can do likewise. And for those who have never known their fathers, then that too is a challenge.

So, when we are told that wisdom is found in fearing God, we might wonder if this puts God into the category of a bullying authority figure. But that word “fear” does not mean what we might think it means. It is rightful respect and reverence. It is to stand in awe of him, not to be afraid of him as we might be of some vengeful abuser.

Having such proper respect and reverence is a sign we have grasped something of the holiness of God. He is our dearest Father, he draws close to us, he forgives our sins. But he is not therefore our best buddy, our co equal. He is different. And the only way we can relate to this very different deity is through Jesus opening the door to his presence.

If our concept of God is radically false, then all else in faith is distorted. We can both “fear” God and be friends with him. We can respect his difference from us, and yet believe he once became like us. The love he shows to us through Jesus drives out the wrong sort of fear. Which leaves us with the right sort of fear, a fear which causes us to kneel in awe, not cringe in terror.