Healthy Fear
Are you afraid of anything?
Some people are fearless, but not me. My two biggest fears are heights and spiders. Although I would like to claim there is a certain level of rationale in these fears, the reality is they are simply phobias. When I find myself face-to-face with a giant spider, I freeze…and run away in terror, simultaneously. I break the laws of physics.
Journal: What is a fear you have? (rational or irrational)
The reality is that the idea of fear is a healthy thing. Fear is the response our minds give to keep us safe. Interestingly enough, the Bible teaches us that we should fear God. Now that doesn’t sound right, does it? God is our loving Father, giver of life full of grace and mercy, and we are supposed to fear Him?
Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. - Proverbs 14:26-27 NLT
God is all of those things, loving sustainer of life ,and our Heavenly Father. So the fear we have for Him is not the same as the fear I have for spiders. It is a fear that I would, for some reason, leave His presence. It’s a fear that the God of the universe, who has the power to create the world, controls the weather, and literally keeps the world together, would create me to have an intimate relationship with Him. If ever there were a reason to fear God, it’s when I find myself attempting to do things on my own. I should fear a life that is not centered on my walk with God. I should fear ever becoming spiritually lukewarm to a point where God would “spit” me out of His mouth.
But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! - Revelation 3:16 NLT
A healthy fear of God keeps us reliant on His presence. It keeps us constantly seeking to continue growing in our relationship with Him. It motivates us to stay hungry for the Word and always seek His will in everything we do.
Journal: Have you had a healthy or unhealthy fear of the Lord in the past? Has that changed? If so, share how.
Prayer: Ask God to help you to grow in your reverent and honoring fear of the Lord by consistently reading His Word, praying, and seeking His will in your life.
Some people are fearless, but not me. My two biggest fears are heights and spiders. Although I would like to claim there is a certain level of rationale in these fears, the reality is they are simply phobias. When I find myself face-to-face with a giant spider, I freeze…and run away in terror, simultaneously. I break the laws of physics.
Journal: What is a fear you have? (rational or irrational)
The reality is that the idea of fear is a healthy thing. Fear is the response our minds give to keep us safe. Interestingly enough, the Bible teaches us that we should fear God. Now that doesn’t sound right, does it? God is our loving Father, giver of life full of grace and mercy, and we are supposed to fear Him?
Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. - Proverbs 14:26-27 NLT
God is all of those things, loving sustainer of life ,and our Heavenly Father. So the fear we have for Him is not the same as the fear I have for spiders. It is a fear that I would, for some reason, leave His presence. It’s a fear that the God of the universe, who has the power to create the world, controls the weather, and literally keeps the world together, would create me to have an intimate relationship with Him. If ever there were a reason to fear God, it’s when I find myself attempting to do things on my own. I should fear a life that is not centered on my walk with God. I should fear ever becoming spiritually lukewarm to a point where God would “spit” me out of His mouth.
But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! - Revelation 3:16 NLT
A healthy fear of God keeps us reliant on His presence. It keeps us constantly seeking to continue growing in our relationship with Him. It motivates us to stay hungry for the Word and always seek His will in everything we do.
Journal: Have you had a healthy or unhealthy fear of the Lord in the past? Has that changed? If so, share how.
Prayer: Ask God to help you to grow in your reverent and honoring fear of the Lord by consistently reading His Word, praying, and seeking His will in your life.
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