There’s an innocent four-letter word that must always be defined by context.

It can be used to suggest either apprehension or deep respect. But I can’t use ’em both ways at the same time. For how can I truly be afraid of something I hold in the highest regard? After all, angst is nothing more than a mental invention which can hardly exist in the domain of what is known to be true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. [Phil. 4:8]

So, is this word “fear“ a manipulator of the unbelieving heart, or is it the other way around?

There seems to be plenty of evidence for both. But one thing is certain: I’m not fearing God as the Holy King of this universe if I’m not trusting His promises, but instead allowing myself to be guided by the common fears of unbelievers.

“You [all] who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord. He is their help and their shield.” [Psa. 115:11]

The Biblical patriarchs and Old Testament authors were consistently writing and speaking about “…the fear of the Lord.” While this Hebrew word יָרֵא [(yare) meaning to fear] could also describe dread and anxiety, it was more commonly used to represent an attitude of unfettered reverence to the Lord God.

What’s interesting though is how often the positive results of Godly fear are illustrated to the reader, particularly in the Psalms of King David:

Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The counsel of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant. [the words of King David in Psa. 25:12-14]

This is one of the most revealing and encouraging passages of Scripture to me. Some translations even use the word “secret” instead of “counsel.” Either way, the promise of intimacy, security and rewards is assured to the man who exchanges his common worldly fears for trust and reverence [or Godly fear] in his Creator.

Who is “the man?” What are all the magnificent effects of him choosing to do this!?

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him. He will also hear their cry and will save them.” [the words of King David in Psa. 145:18-19] my emphasis]

Godly fear doesn’t define an obsolete mid-eastern mindset that fizzled out somewhere between the Ancient Jewish writings and the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ.

It does, rather, demonstrate that one more element of the Lord God’s good news is still available for men who have ears to hear.

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” [the words of King David in Psa. 103:11-13]