Christians how do you understand the meaning of "fear the Lord"?

Question

Years ago I wrongly understood this as an unhealthy fear, such as one would fear a judgmental and cruel parent. But as I learn and grow, I have begun to understand, this fear is seperation from the Lord, because without God's love and protection, we are truly lambs amidst wolves, and without direction.

I can do nothing without God, and I've learned that those times when I functioned with power, wisdom, and confidence, it did not come from me, but from God. I'd much rather walk through an army of hateful killers, than reject the Lord.

Sadly, some of us are stubborn and must learn this the hard way. I'm sure I still have much to learn, and I still may not fully have the correct understanding. The Lord will let me know. How do you define fear of God? Do you feel the same, or have a different understanding?

Answer 1

Yes, the fear of the Lord is not to do anything against his will, being that he is Just and righteous, pure, and he is our creator, we should love him with all aour heart, mind ,soul , and all that is within us
Praise his Holy Name..........

Answer 2

I will be dealing with that through my blog, and hope you will open your pre-concepts and venture there.

God has the ultimate POWER to separate ANYTHING that needs to be separated, just like YOU . Natural or worldly people WISH they could have this POWER just like SATAN did (does).

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, but the fear of the Lord is more pronounced in believers. The bible says even the devils fear and tremble, so what does that tell you about the so called atheists? ALL believe in God, but materialism blinds them by the deceitfulness of sin (disobedience ).

Answer 3

The words " fear of the Lord " mean a Healthy Respect! The knowledge that He could wipe out the universe and everything in it if He chose to do so. He, His Will, His Word, His Power, His Gifts, His Love, His Grace, His Wisdom, His Sacrifice, His Name and All that He is, is not to be taken lightly and is Worthy to be feared.

Answer 4

"Fear" has a whole different meaning today than it did when it was spoken of in the Bible. As it's spoken of today, fear can't possibly co-exist with love, but in the Biblical context of fearing God, fear goes hand-in-hand with perfect love.
To fear the Lord simply means to regard Him with totally respectful, worshipful, reverent submission and awe. It's partly about realizing that we are only alive by His will, and that every good thing that comes to us is by His grace.

Answer 5

To fear the Lord is to want to do good things in His name. Its not that we are scared or afraid of Him as we would a be school bully. It is the fear of dipleasing the Lord.

Example - A son properly fears to displease his father, but appreciation for all that his father does for him should also move the son to express genuine love for his father.
A scuba diver may love the sea, but if he does not fear the sea he underestimates it with disasterous results.

Answer 6

In a sense, its kind of like the fear of a child toward his dad, but only in the case where a loving relationship is shared... Its a fear in knowing that if the proper respect is not shown, trouble will surely follow... Every christian knows that if we dont respect our father, as in to trust and obey what he says, as we would our biological fathers, but even more so... then our lives will surely suffer...

Answer 7

I am going to answer this with a few verses from Psalms, at least this is a good example of what kind of fear it is talking about for those loving God.

The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul.
The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.
8 The orders from Jehovah are upright, causing the heart to rejoice;
The commandment of Jehovah is clean, making the eyes shine.
9 The FEAR of Jehovah is pure, standing forever.
The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true; they have proved altogether righteous.
10 They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much refined gold;
And sweeter than honey and the flowing honey of the combs.
11 Also, your own servant has been warned by them;
In the keeping of them there is a large reward.
12 Mistakes—who can discern?
From concealed sins pronounce me innocent.
13 Also from presumptuous acts hold your servant back;
Do not let them dominate me.
In that case I shall be complete,
And I shall have remained innocent from much transgression.
14 Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah my Rock and my Redeemer.

Answer 8

I understand what you are saying, but once you are His, you are always His; I don't fear being separated any longer. I do fear disappointing Him, living for self rather than for Him.

I've learned God is a VERY loving God, a VERY forgiving God and He loves me no matter what I'm wearing, what I'm driving, but He does care that I seek Him in all things.

Answer 9

D.B. : "Fearing" God is best understood as having a healthy respect for Him. Fear does not mean "phobia" nor being terrorized. God gives everyone the "right to be wrong" - of course, there are consequences for wrong decision making.

Answer 10

Reverence to the Alpha and Omega.
(not a trembling of fear toward a cruel god)

Answer 11

I define the "fear of the LORD" as to give HIM honor or to be in awe of HIM. I agree that I too thought I was supposed to cower in fear of HIM for a long time. Fear is from the devil and not of GOD though so I am very glad that it was revealed to me. Bless you as you grow!