My friend hesitates. Uncomfortable when I speak of “the fear of the Lord.” And pray it for our children.
Through the years, from their youngest days, this has been my prayer. That they may walk in the fear of the Lord. Know His wisdom. Recognize His holiness.
But there are too many things to fear in our world today. We don’t need to make God one more thing to fear. Right? I think that’s the unspoken piece of this friend’s response.
But Jesus talks about fear. The wrong kind and the right kind.
Two fears
The multitude arrives. Thousands of people trampling on one another to get to the Master. But Jesus focuses first on His disciples.
And He speaks of fear.
“I say to you, my friends, don’t fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will show you the One to fear: Fear Him who has authority to throw people into hell after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the One to fear.”
Luke 12:4-5
Fear of man. Fear of God. Two fears that jostle for priority in hearts and minds.
Don’t be afraid
Then Jesus gives the illustration. One that settles my heart. Gives rest to my soul. And draws me to the fear of the Lord.
“Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:6-7
Comparing fears
The fear of man is to live frightened. Enslaved.
The fear of God is to live remembered. Known. Seen by Him.
The fear of man paralyzes. And panic ensues.
The fear of the Lord gives rest. Reliance on His wisdom. At the very hour you need it. (Luke 12:12)
The early church
The early church knew the right kind of fear.
“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”
Acts 9:31
Yes, walk in the fear of the Lord.
Peter instructed the scattered believers to live out their freedom in Christ rightly.
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
1 Peter 2:16-17
Yes, fear God.
Assurance
And so I pray our children will walk in the fear the Lord. And hear His assurance, “Fear not, for I am with you.”
This fear anchors and holds them steady in a world gone wrong. Leads them to wholeness. In the arena of brokenness.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Indeed.
And deep soul rest as we walk by faith in this world.
What about you?
What have you learned about the fear of the Lord?
Related posts
The fear of the Lord – Healing hurts and counting stars – Stability – “Teach me Your way, Lord” – Equip in the spiritual battle – Be alert and pray – When I am afraid I will trust in You –
7 replies on “Fear and fear not”
Susan, So very interesting. Just yesterday Jo & I listened to my first message in many, many years on The Fear Of The Lord on TBN by Ed Young Jr. He pastors’ in Houston, TX. This is a long forgotten biblical truth that has been our lifetime driving motivation. It took us to Indonesia, India and continues to be our guide in our walk with the Lord! Thank you for sharing this faith honored biblical truth. Through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit we walk move and have our being and only through The One that created us, empowered and equip us do we have purpose on this His Kingdom! Bobby L. Jones.
Thanks so much for sharing, Bobby. What an encouragement to hear your testimony about this! And what a blessing to live it out by His Spirit, not our own ability or strength.
Susan, this is so timely and a needed comparison. Thank you.
Thank you, friend. It’s been encouraging to see how Shades has kept up communication through these days. Uplifting and helpful. Grace to you.
Deut.6 was my devotion reading today and I was struck by God’s response to Moses about Israel “Oh that their hearts would be inclined to fear Me and keep My commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever.”
I think this is such a beautiful image of God’s heart! The reason we are to fear Him is for our good!
Yes! How often they went their own way, not getting the full picture of His loving requirement of them, for their good and the good of others. Today…same resistance going on. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Susan, for a very timely message! Struggle with unhealthy fear is real right now, and we all need more encouragement to remind us to have only a healthy fear of the Lord!