By Tom McCrossan
Psalm 33:
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm. …
18 Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 to deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive in famine.
Every quarter, I facilitate a group on “Distorted Images of God.” One topic is always the fear of God.
Many come from dysfunctional, violent homes. On the streets, in prisons, and in homes, it is common to fear authority figures. Misuse of power, emotional inconsistency, trying but failing to earn love—all these can lead to a wrong kind of fear, as John writes about: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love” (1 John 4:18).
Yet the Bible tells us to fear God as if it is one of the best things we can do.
I have visited the Grand Canyon several times. Each time is breathtaking. I notice people want to get as close as possible to the edge to peer into the depths. Some even try to climb the barriers for a closer look. They fear falling into the abyss, but they still want to get as close as possible. They know they could die, but they go as far as they dare. Facing something so awesome, their fear makes them respectful even as they’re drawn to the dangerous beauty.
This is like the biblical fear of God. Psalm 33 calls us to praise God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and justice. This is the almighty Creator whom we should fear and in whom we stand in awe (v. 8). The One who judges nations; the One who delivers his people; our just and righteous God.
But never take this One for granted. Always respect God’s power. Fear God—our hope and shield against all that the world, the flesh, and the devil throw at us. God who comes to us, invites us to draw as close as we dare to him—with his awesome power and steadfast love.
Prayer: Your Word says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. And it says that in the end, the greatest thing is love. Awesome and loving God, help us to fear you more than any person or thing. Help us to open ourselves to your love that surpasses knowledge. Fill us with wisdom and love. Fill us with yourself. Amen.