Listen to this devotion
The Best Fear
In the Word
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge … (Proverbs 1:7a).
Of the Word
What do you fear? For some, it may be tornadoes or hurricanes. For farmers, it may be drought, frost, or flood. For employees, it may be loss of a job because of a downturn in the economy. Every one of us has experienced times of fear, and those times usually bear a negative connotation.
But what is Solomon’s definition when he speaks of the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7a)? He doesn’t mean a heart-pounding, skin-crawling, knee-knocking fear! No, Solomon means quite the opposite. He speaks of a relationship with God, a relationship of respect, awe, love, and obedience. That relationship, he reminds us, is the beginning of true wisdom.
Living in the fear of the Lord means that, like St. Paul’s Colossian friends, we … may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding… (Colossians 1:9b). Earthly fear may still tempt us, but by the power of the Holy Spirit we are free to love our all-powerful God.
A Point to Ponder: How does the fear of the LORD remove earthly fears that Satan may use against me?
Walking with my Lord
Dear Lord, when I am beset by worldly fears, help me cling to You. Remind me that the fear of the LORD gives me joy and peace because You are my God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 18/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
