| “…the Lord’s love is with those who fear him…” |
| —Psalm 103:17a |
The Bible often uses the phrase “fear the Lord.” But, it doesn’t mean “fear” in the sense of being “terrified or profoundly afraid.” Rather, this phrase means “a deep respect born out of a loving obedience.”
So, the fear of the Lord means that in response to the acknowledgement of God’s great power, great compassion, great love, great mercy, great grace, and great holiness, we feel a deep respect that prompts us to respond with obedience to God’s will and to His instructions found in His written Word. The Psalmist captures this thought in Psalm 103:17-18:
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
God’s unfailing love fills the hearts of His obedient children. Their obedience illustrates their deep respect—fear—for the God who loves them.
Let us rejoice this day in the love that God pours into our lives. Let’s respond in obedience to Him. Let’s give Him the great respect that He is due. Then, as we consciously and purposefully bend our selfish and foolish human will to His divine and perfect will, our obedience will reap the reward of showing Him our love and true respect.
Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, June 3, 2016
