The Fear of the LORD

              After reading Psalm 111:4-10 quoted below, my first thoughts centered on the word “fear.”  To most of us, this evokes a thought of trembling, shaking in our boots.  Then we wonder how this can be the “…beginning of wisdom.”

              We first must define the word “fear.”  “Fear” denotes “reverence.”  For us to understand this phrase, we need to reverence God to increase our wisdom.  What is our “fear” or “reverence” of God?  How do we define our “…beginning of wisdom” with God? 

              When we entered our Salvation by accepting Jesus as our personal Saviour, there should have been a repentant heart along with a humbling of ourselves before Him, and we must also continue this repentance / humbling of ourselves daily.  We can only do it by the transforming of our minds.

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

              The problem is we must instigate the change, and with God’s help through the Holy Spirit, look for that “good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  When we “fear” the LORD, we are doing His will. 

              Christians are sorta like my “back door cats.”  When I take food out to them, they “reverence” me heartily.  Any other time of day, I cannot get within an arms reach of them. Their “reverence” is only “in time of need.”             That attitude will not gain us wisdom, (only when in dire need we seek that “reverence” to gain “our needs.”) 

              Our “fear” of the LORD must be a daily occurrence, with or without need.  Through our prayers and Bible reading, we will gain the needed wisdom because we will be “fear[ing] the LORD.”

              Are you like my “back door cats,” or are you really seeking the Wisdom of God?

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Psalms 111:4-10  He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.  (5)  He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.  (6)  He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.  (7)  The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.  (8)  They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.  (9)  He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.  (10)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.