Let me start by saying that I really tried not to write this blogpost. But, God has been dealing with me and showing me some things about this topic. The more I would struggle with writing it; the more I was sure I didn’t want to. There were several confirming factors; that I won’t go into at this time. Just know, that I was finally convinced to write it.
No; this is not an exhaustive (end all/be all) on the topic of “fear” or “fear of the Lord”
And…
Yes; this blogpost has a time associated with it.
As I posted yesterday on social media: “Even though we are God’s watchmen on the wall; our God is NOT our watch!” or our calendar... Some may scoff or make fun of the way God chooses to speak to myself and others. They make fun, because they do not understand. I don’t fully understand myself; so I can see where they would be coming from. I cannot help how God speaks to me; nor do I desire for Him to change it. He can speak to me however He wishes. I am at His discretion and direction of influence; He is not at mine!
Now on to the reason for the blogpost!
If we start thinking about what the Bible has to say about “fear” initially it might be possible to think that God’s Word is contradictory concerning fear.
I assure you it is NOT!
Let’s look at what the word “fear” refers to, and what is involved in it’s definition. At first, we might be tempted to look at it’s dictionary definition; but I think we are all pretty well acquainted with “fear” from some of the earliest moments of our memories. Since we are all familiar with, or have a frame of reference for “fear” let’s look at some of the words associated with it; that were highlighted to me.
Fear = Reverence, awe, awesome, exaltation, worship, honor, respect, place of chief importance.
I understand that when we are in “fear” and operating out of it; it doesn’t seem like these words apply. But, I assure you that if you search God’s Word; those actions are exactly what is taking place concerning fear. The one phrase that pinned me to the floor as God was talking to me about this was:
“Place of chief importance.”
When you are in “fear” of something or someone; nothing else matters until that need (whatever it may be) is addressed.
There are several areas of “fear” that are addressed in God’s Word which present things that initially would be viewed as contradictory. We are instructed that we must have “The fear of the Lord”. But we are also told “Perfect love casts out fear”.
So…. Which is it?
Are we supposed to have fear; or are we supposed to cast it out?
Is it from our enemy; or is it from the Lord?
The answer is: YES!
“The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 Amplified Classic Edition
And…
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”
1 John 4:18 New Living Translation
Fear that is not “the fear of the Lord” exalts itself against the very knowledge of God.
It comes in and tries to consume the person with itself. It becomes of chief importance. It removes God from His rightful place. There is not time to list all of the biblical references of fear that we are supposed to “cast down” (fear that is NOT “of” or “from” the Lord). However, I can assure you that if it is a biblical reference of fear that we are supposed to abstain from, it will concern these areas:
Anything, and everything that is common to man and daily life! That includes the environment, self, families, wars, etc.
If we truly “fear” the Lord and make Him of chief importance, if we awe, honor, respect, and worship Him; will things not line up (go in the right direction) in our lives?
If He truly is our shield and buckler, our defense, our light, our hope, our resting place, our dwelling, our delight, our deliverer, our strength, our sure foundation, the lifter of our head, and the one who saves; then truly whom shall we fear?!!!
So, yes cast down any fear that is not concerning “of” and “from” the Personhood of God! About who He is and His attributes.
Any fear (honor, reverence, awe) that comes from and through Him; we should gladly receive. It will bring strength for our spirit and guiding for our path. I want to finish this post with some of my favorite “fear of the Lord” scriptures.
Be blessed! Be encouraged! And do not fear anything, or anyone except the Lord! That alone is HIS rightful place! 🙌🔥🙌
“And there shall be stability in your times, an abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the reverent fear and worship of the Lord is your treasure and His.”
Isaiah 33:6 Amplified Classic Edition
“Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death. [John 4:10, 14.]”
Proverbs 14:27 Amplified Classic Edition
“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.”
Psalms 19:9 New American Standard Bible
“To fear the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech.”
Proverbs 8:13 God’s Word Translation
September 8th, 2017 by Eric