“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.” — PSALM 128:1

The fear of God is vital to wholesome Christian living. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” It also says in later passages, ‘The fear of God leads to life’ …. ‘it adds length to life’…. ‘it is a fountain of life’ and, ‘He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge’ (Proverbs 14.22). The message of the book of Ecclesiastes is summed up in Chapter 12, verse 13: “Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.” Get this right, and everything else falls into place.

The first mention of ‘the fear of God’ in the bible occurs in Genesis 22:12. At God’s instructions, Abraham had laid his son on the altar, ready to sacrifice him, when the angel of the Lord called out from heaven. “Do not lay a hand on the boy. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” His ‘fear of God’ was expressed in unquestioning obedience to God, irrespective of the consequences.

The fear of God involves a refusal to exercise any right of veto over the will of God in our lives. If we are to be wise, then a healthy fear of God is to be the cornerstone of our Christian life. This is the beginning of wisdom and of true knowledge. It is the safest harbour for our souls, and a refuge for our children. That’s why Paul tells us to, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2.12).

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to trust You for the consequences I do not understand, and to live in the wholesome, healthy fear of God that brings liberty and wisdom.

TO REFLECT UPON: Does the fear of God prevent me from overriding His will in favour of my own? Or do I treat Him casually and complacently?