What scares you? Spiders. Definitely spiders, for me. Heights, public speaking, snakes, and enclosed spaces, are some other common fears people have. Some people fear all the turmoil in the world, financial instability, getting old, and death. Whatever your fears are, they typically result in harmful feelings such as anxiety, worry, terror, and apprehension. They make us feel unsafe and that whatever we’re afraid of will eventually overtake us. Sometimes, our fear can be so great that it has physical effects. Fear is generally unhealthy and something we try to avoid.
There is a different kind of fear that’s actually good for us. Fear of the Lord is a deep respect and awe of God’s sovereignty. Psalm 33:8 (ESV) tells us, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him!” Followers of Christ aren’t meant to live their lives in anxious worry and dread, but to honor Him for His supremacy, holiness, and divine nature. Because of His sovereignty, combined with His immense love for us and capacity to forgive, He is worthy of our highest respect and reverence. Fearing your Heavenly Father is one of the healthiest choices you can make.
