The Fear of God

Yahweh shows favor to (or “takes pleasure in,” “delights in,” “sets his affection on,” “enjoys,” “finds pleasing,” “is satisfied with”) those who fear him, those who wait for his tender embrace (or “who wait for his loyal, unfailing love”). Psalm 147:11

I was listening to a podcast where the hosts brought up the idea that the “Fear of God” is often misunderstood. Some believe it means to be afraid and/or aware of His judgement of sin, which looks like death or punishment. Some believe it simply means reverence and awe for the Lord. I want to suggest a different idea of the “Fear of God,” and I think the Psalm above captures it well.

Looking at the verse above, there is an obvious tie between the fear of God and God’s unfailing love. I interpret this verse as saying something like: God is pleased with those who fear Him through the knowledge of and meditation on His loyal and unfailing love. What if the fear of God was believing in how much He loves you so much that you actually let Him mold you and shape you? What if it had to do with His righteous transformation of your heart through love rather than a fear of punishment for sin?

Honestly, it is really risky and scary to surrender to God if you don’t know how good He is. We are waiting for a shoe to drop because some of us have been taught that He is an angry God. Oftentimes, the fear of God is mentioned alongside judgement, and our understanding of judgement has often been portrayed poorly too. If you’ve read my recent post about surrendering to love, you will know that I believe judgement is such a good and loving process. It is allowing God to judge what in you doesn’t look like His perfect love and refine it out of you. Ultimately, that is what love looks like in and of itself.

I think it is possible that a better understanding of the fear of God is the acknowledgement of His burning love for us that purifies all of our hearts. Yes, the result is a fearful and reverent posture towards the Lord, but it is the love transforming you that causes that fear and reverence. If we are willing to allow our views of God to shift to the loving nature of God that is portrayed by the overarching story of the Bible, I think our lives would suddenly transform.

Ask Jesus about it and see what He says...

Jesus, how do you want me to see You?

Jesus, what does the fear of God look like? Jesus, where can I allow more of Your love to transform my heart?