Does Fearing the Lord Still Exist?

Fear of the Lord – Is this a thing of the past? What does it really mean to fear the Lord? How can I incorporate this into my daily life? Does fearing the Lord still exist?

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out we are living in an ungodly morally corrupt society. Lawlessness, corrupt behavior, etc. So, how do we stay steady and on course living a morally just life? How do we live a life that claims we fear the Lord? Our answers can be found in the Book of Proverbs. J Vernon McGee Commentary: Proverbs written by Solomon is not just a collection of sayings without any regard for orderly arrangement. The book of Proverbs tells a story of a young man starting out in life. Two schools bid for him – One is the school of Wisdom, which is seen as the Lord Jesus Christ and the other is the school for fools. We see this young man’s first lesson in:

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Fear of the Lord – To recognize His might and His holiness; To have the proper reverence and awe towards our Creator, the One who created us and to our Redeemer, the One who redeemed us from an eternal life in Hell. To have the proper respect and honor of God. This is the key repeated throughout the book of Proverbs. It is the means and the secret to obtaining genuine wisdom. The fear of the Lord is not to be afraid of the terror of a tyrant, but rather the awe and respect that leads to obedience to Him.

Dr. A. W. Tozer (1897-1963) comments, “The fear of God is... astonished reverence. I believe that the reverential fear of God mixed with love and fascination and astonishment and admiration and devotion is the most enjoyable state and the most satisfying emotion the human soul can know.”

The beginning of knowledge – is to regard God with respect, reverence, and awe. Once this starting point of having the right relationship with God is established, then growth in knowledge and true wisdom can happen.

Fools despise wisdom and instruction – there is no dread of God’s wrath, nor is there a desire of God’s favor. Fools do not want to even hear how they can escape God’s wrath and obtain His favor.

As you continue to read in Proverbs, there are 19 other references to fearing the Lord that is perfect description of a God-fearing person. They avoid evil; they cultivate humility; they live righteously; they live securely; they are content in life; they are praised by others. The Book of Proverbs is designed to create a need and desire for wisdom, a prevention and remedy for ungodly behaviors and lifestyles, a how-to manual for practical righteousness in every area of your life.

I believe we are living in a time when the question is not, do you want to be a wise person, but when are you going to begin asking the Lord for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in all areas of your life? The body of Christ needs this. The world needs to see God-fearing Christians. This is our legacy, and all people deserve to be handed down this awesome legacy. In my opinion, it’s the only the way to live.

Proverbs 14:2 “He walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.”

Do others see in you that you fear God?

Life Application Questions

1. Do you have a healthy fear the Lord?

2. Is there someone you lead that desperately needs God’s wisdom in their lives? Are you willing to share with them the foundation, fearing God?