BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO FEARS THE LORD -Proverbs 28:14

Fear paints a picture of helplessness and hopelessness. It steals our peace and focus. What are we fearful about ? We are concerned about the safety of our families, health, finances, jobs, relationships, future etc. How did David deal with his fears ? Answer is found in Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears“.
And how does God deliver us from our fears ? When we “look to Him”(vs 5), focus on Him, call upon Him and pray to Him, our fears fade. ” ..those who fear Him lack nothing” (vs 9) concludes David. How wonderful it is that in the fear of the Lord we are delivered from all our fears.

Then David mentions a different type of fear – not a fear that paralyses, but a deep respect and awe of the One who surrounds us with His presence, loves us like nobody does and pursues us relentlessly. Why should we fear God? He is so loving, kind, forgiving and full of grace. We should fear Him because He is God – our Creator, our Heavenly Father, holy, majestic, glorious, all knowing, all powerful, present everywhere, wonder working, good and awe-inspiring; that is His nature. How can anyone therefore be in His presence without fear and reverence ?
Right in the beginning of the book of Proverbs, Solomon makes it clear what our guiding principle in life should be – to fear God. ” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline”- Pr 1:7. After exploring and experiencing everything the world had to offer, Solomon, the wisest, richest, most learned, gifted and a powerful king of the time came to realise that apart from God everything is meaningless and thus concluded :
Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man“- Eccles 12:13
The foundation of knowledge is to fear the Lord – to honour and respect God, to live in awe of His power, and to obey His Word. Therefore, let us cultivate this affectionate reverence for God, love Him, fear Him and trust Him completely with our life today.
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply