What is the Fear of God?

Contrary to politically correct opinion, God greatly desires His own to fear Him. The problem with the world is, it is so inundated with unholy fears on every side, biblical fear is a foreign concept. God does not want the world to cower in petrified terror at His greatness. (We know one day that it will.) His desire is to SAVE the world, that the world will repent because it fears Him.

The fact is, God is real. He is not a liar. He must judge sin, and He can. The only reason that He withholds His hand from judgment is His love, and in that love He provides for everyone from all time to be saved. Many make the mistake of thinking that mercy will override everything else that God is. They think God is what they think He should be. May I say, that is the biggest game of pretend man ever played? God is going to judge the world by Jesus, the One Who paid to save it, and all will be judged by what they do with His gift. Act 17:31 "Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. "

Who is God to you? Is He holy? (1 Peter 1:15) Righteous? (Psalm 145:17) Just? (Deaut. 32:4) True? (John 14:6) Does He love you more and better than any other? (1 John 4:16) If you answer "Yes", then you must fear God. 2Ch. 19:7 "Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts."

The difference between fear of man and fear of God is the result of that fear in our lives. Psalm 111:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments; his praise endureth for ever." Fearing God, because we know He is what He says He is, will bring wisdom into your life. Understanding will follow. There will be joy. Ps. 2:11 "serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling." God defends those who fear Him. Psalms 34:7 "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."

Will fear of man do this for you? NO! It will not guide, comfort, or protect anyone. It will only ensnare us in our service of God. A brief look at a concordance in Proverbs tells you more of what the fear of God will do for you. It is the beginning of wisdom; will prolong you days; is strong confidence; is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death; is the instruction of wisdom, it tends to life; gives riches, and honor, and life.

The Conclusion will be, "Have Faith!"