"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7a)
It is estimated that "the fear of God" is mentioned in over 100 Bible passages. What does it really mean to fear the Lord?
The fear of God refers to the awesome reverence, gratitude, and love we should have toward our God, the maker of the universe who loves each one of us more than we could ever understand. Our fear should be disappointing God or saddening Him when we do not turn to Him and trust Him in all areas of our life, do not learn about His principles, or do not follow Him.
But how do we reconcile loving God and fearing Him? 1 John 4:18 says: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love".
According to Dr. David Jeremiah, we are to fear God and love God, and they're not in conflict at all. He states, "1 John 4:18 reminds us that when we truly know the fear of God, we will understand the love of God, and when we truly know the love of God, we will understand the fear of God. They are not mutually exclusive, only in our own minds."
https://sermons.love/david-jeremiah/4209-david-jeremiah-deity-the-fear-of-god.html
The fear of the Lord, or in other words, the love, adoration, and thankfulness we have for the Lord, is the foundational reason why we want to honor Him.
We reflect this by continually knowing Him better and applying His principles and wisdom. I am always amazed at the unexpected blessings, but then I understand when we think of the enormous love He has for us. When we think of choosing to fear the Lord because we are so thankful for Him, did you know He also gives promises to those who choose to fear Him? Below are some of those promises when we display the fear of God in our adoration of Him.
Keeps us from sinning. (Exodus 20:20)
Gives us a heritage.(Psalm 61:5)
Gives us hope. (Psalm 33:18-19)
Protects us. (Deuteronomy 20:4)
Delivers us. (Psalm 34:7)
Blesses us. (Psalm 128:1)
Provides us with good understanding. (Psalm 111:10)
Creates a Godly home environment. (Psalm 103:17)
Finds the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5)
Brings the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)
Adds length to life. (Proverbs 10:27)
Turns people from snares of death. (Proverbs 14:27)
Avoids evil. (Proverbs 16:6)
Provides content rest, untouched by trouble. (Proverbs 19:23)
Provides a treasure of wisdom and knowledge. (Isaiah 33:6)
Helps us. (Isaiah 41:13)
How can you practically apply the fear of the Lord at work?
1. It begins with gratefully recognizing that God is loving and faithful to you, and acknowledging He is a wise God who knows you and what is best for you. 2. It continues with your choice to continually seek to know Him by reading His Word and spending time with Him. In this way, you express your recognition and gratitude for Him. 3. It is a lifelong journey with God as you approach Him with your cares and concerns and give Him His rightful place of being Lord of your life by applying His Word at work. What one area of your business can you choose to examine God's Word in depth to discover what the Lord says about it? It may be about money, relationships, conflict, decisions, or anxiety. With awe and love, ask God for His wisdom and direction in this area. Bringing This to God In Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for my beginning to understand what it means to fear You. Help me to deep in my heart allow this awe and gratitude to be the solid foundation from which I continually seek You, Your principles, and direction for my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Have a wonderful week! God Bless. Bonny, Christian Women at Work