A Holy and Reverent Fear of God

I think one of the most freeing things about getting older is the liberation that comes with age. I find myself taking a lot less stock in the opinions of others, their disapproval or judgement…in saying that, I do not mean that I discount or ignore others, but I realize that there are limitations to the voice and influence they have in my life.  I still seek out wise counsel and listen to those with experience, but I have come to understand that it is okay to not allow certain things (like negative input or opinions) to steer or navigate my course and decisions.

Though I’m finding it easier now, this was a difficult thing for me growing up.  I cared too much about pleasing others, making them happy, doing what it was that they wanted me to do, or saying what it was that they expected me to say, afraid that they would be disappointed if I didn’t, afraid of losing their approval or that they might not like me.  Even into my adult years, I struggled with this more times than I care to admit, but thankfully time, experience and the Word of God gave me the liberty that I needed so much.

In Psalm 27:1, David declares and asks, “The Lord ismy light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord isthe strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”  In Psalm 56:11, he says:  “In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”  The Psalmist in Psalm 118:6 states: “The Lord ison my side; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?” and then adds in verse 8, “It isbetter to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”  Jesus even addresses this in Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

The Bible lets us know that we are not to be afraid of others or what they can do, but instead we are to have a Holy and reverent fear of God—the One who made Heaven and Earth, the One who provided Salvation, the One who holds all of our days in His hands.  It is His opinion that matters, His Spirit’s influence that should guide our course, and His Word that should direct our decisions.

Today, let’s replace fear of one another with love for one another, and let’s allow a reverent fear and love for God to consume us as we put our trust in Him.