For the longest time, I struggled to understand what the fear of the LORD truly means. Perhaps you have, too. I had always associated fear with oppression: we fear what threatens us. Following that reasoning, I imagined that fearing the LORD meant seeing Him as an oppressive tyrant, seated on His golden throne, watching every detail of our lives for an excuse to punish us. I speak from my own misunderstanding (I speak as a man).
How wrong was I.
The fear of the LORD is a gift, an answered prayer, a mercy to those who seek Him. It reminds me of Jesus’ invitation to ask, seek, and knock (Luke 11:9). It is the light of your headlights on a foggy road and the shelter protecting you beneath a construction site. It is not the feeling of being stalked or a relentless voice reminding you of your inadequacy. It teaches you to look ahead with confidence instead of constantly looking over your shoulder.
“The fear of the LORD is life indeed; filled with it one rests secure and suffers no harm.” (Prov. 19:23, NRSVUE)
I’m 29, and two months ago, I tasted the first drop of the sweet honey that is the fear of the LORD. As I read this verse, one small word caught my attention: is.
The fear of the LORD is life indeed.
Those words helped me understand that fearing Him is not merely preparation for some distant life of fulfillment. It is part of living that life now. I began to see obedience as an invitation to experience the goodness of God today.
What is the fear of the LORD?
“…Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Eccl. 12:13, KJV)
Thank God for the Holy Spirit, our companion, who guides us into truth and brings our hidden sins into the light. He convicted me of the sin I had allowed to stand between me and the life God was calling me to experience. My prayer is that, as you read this, He will help you recognize whatever you, too, need to surrender.
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” (Prov. 14:27, KJV)
This is what I am beginning to understand about the fear of the LORD: it moves us to keep His commandments with reverence, love, and trust that what He asks of us is good.
Our obedience does not fill some emptiness in Him. His commandments are a gift to us. As we surrender our hearts and minds to Him, we begin to discover the beauty of the life He has prepared for us—a life of fulfillment in knowing Him.
I have only tasted the first drop, but oh, how sweet it is.
Stand Firm in Christ 
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