Hey, let me clear something up… When the Bible speaks about “the fear of the Lord” it is NOT talking about dread or terror of God! A much better way of processing that phrase is to think “reverence of the Lord” when you encounter it in Scripture!
What is “reverence?” Well here’s the way Webster defines it:”Honor or respect felt or shown. Profound or adoring awe or respect.” Combine honor, high regard, deep respect, awe and love together, and you have “reverence!”
This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read and reflected on Psalm 128 which addresses this very topic! Just let me say after reading it… There are wonderful promises for those who “reverence” the Lord (i.e. “fear the Lord”)! It pays to reverence Him (and then as a result of that live for Him – obey Him (i.e. “walk in His ways)! You’ll be blessed in every way – materially, vocationally, physically, emotionally, socially…and most of all spiritually. Your family will be blessed! Blessed! Blessed!! BLESSED!!!
Here’s how Psalm 128 puts it (and it doesn’t get much better than this!)…
“Blessed is everyone who fears [reverences] the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you! Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears [reverences] the Lord!”
Gotta tell you, I want to live a life that in every way exhibits and expresses “reverence” for the Lord!
Coffee With The Lord 