The Fear of the Lord

I Samuel 20-21; Psalms 34, Matthew 5

“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

Psalm 34:11-14

David said that the fear of the Lord is the key to enjoying life.

What do we imagine when we hear the term ‘fear of the Lord’?

Rather than a negative emotion connected to punishment or pain, the fear of the Lord is living in loving surrender to God’s will and his ways. It is reflected in keeping our tongue from evil speech, lies, and untruths. The fear of the Lord means we walk away from evil and instead pursue that which is good. We do good to others and seek peace and pursue it in every area of life. When we do good and pursue peace, the quality of our relationships increases and we positively influence the environment around us. Living in the fear of the Lord means that in this world, we live according to his ways as we seek to please him. It’s a better way to live.

“Lord Jesus, I desire to grow in the fear of the Lord, for your glory.”