Have you ever considered what it means to fear God as a believer? This is easy to misunderstand. After coming to Christ, I often wondered about fearing God. Considering His grace and love, I finally knew God as a loving Father. I am in awe of God. How can I also fear him? It turns out that the Hebrew word for fear is often translated as awesome. The believers’ attitude toward God is frequently referred to as respect, reverence, or awe rather than fear (The Holman Bible Dictionary).
However, limiting our attitude toward God to awe and reverence may cause us to lose sight of His divine character, which compels obedience. This obedience is not a fear of punishment but a reverence for His love and power, which we are to revere (The Holman Bible Dictionary). My dad didn’t like it when men gave themselves the title of reverend. I tend to agree. Only God is deserving of that recognition and prestigious honor.
Paul’s letter to the Romans comforts the believer by stating that wrath has been satisfied in Christ, relieving the believer from the fear of condemnation (Rom. 8:1, English Standard Version). This assurance is a testament to God’s love for us. However, it does not release us from accountability to a Holy God whose character demands justice (2 Cor. 5:10). (He also provided the antidote through His Son).
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians speaks to this when he writes that we should “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22-23, Emphasis added).
When we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, our convictions are stirred, and we are filled with a desire to please God out of love and reverence. The Holy Spirit becomes our constant companion, guiding us in our faith journey. When I first came to Christ, I was a broken mess. I had no boundaries or the ability to say no, which led me to dark places most of my life. But God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, helped me find my voice and strength in Christ. I finally heard that still, small voice telling me I did not have to allow abusive treatment from others and their disrespectful behavior.
That is when my life began to change for the better. It’s a process. I still made mistakes, but the Holy Spirit’s convictions guided me to God’s intended path. On the other hand, I remember fearing what God would ask of me. That fear was unwarranted, considering what others had demanded of me. God is trustworthy and wants the best for us. God is the best.
The fear I am speaking of is a natural response from the heart of those eager to obey God’s Word, with a humble and contrite spirit (Is. 66:2) and a repentant heart, in awe of a reverent God – which results in true wisdom (Prov. 9:10).
The song “I Surrender” by Hillsong Worship and Matt Crocker recently touched me during a church worship night service. Surrendering to God is an intentional daily choice. As I sat there reading each word on the screen, listening, and singing the lyrics with conviction from my heart and soul, the power of the Holy Spirit moved my spirit and helped me reaffirm my surrender to God.
I challenge you to listen to this song and read the words. Then sing them to God with conviction and let the power of the Holy Spirit have His way out of fear, love, and reverence for a Holy God. It’s life changing.
The best place to be is in the will of the Father, walking in step with the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:25). This is my continual prayer. I don’t always get it right, but God’s grace is sufficient. His power works best in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).
“…my heart stands in awe of your words” (Ps. 119:161, emphasis added).
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Prov. 9:10, emphasis added).
Faith Walk Ministries, Inc. 