What the Fear of the Lord is?

The fear of the Lord is not a fear born out of terror or dread but a reverent awe that grips the soul when faced with God's majesty. It is a fear that humbles and transforms, often manifesting physically as a trembling awareness of His glory.

Take Moses, for instance. A man who walked so closely with God, leading the Israelites and witnessing mind-blowing miracles firsthand. Yet, when confronted with God's overwhelming glory and voice at Mount Sinai, even Moses confessed, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling” (Hebrews 12:21). Imagine that—a leader who stood in God’s presence trembling in awe.

This kind of fear isn’t about shrinking back; it’s about recognising the vastness of God’s power, holiness, and majesty. If Moses, a friend of God, could experience such profound reverence, how much more should we? The fear of the Lord compels us to worship, obey, and live in awe of the One who reigns over all creation.

Another powerful example of someone who experienced fear and trembling in the presence of the Lord was the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah 6, he recounts his awe-inspiring vision of God seated on His throne, high and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Surrounding Him were Seraphim, proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3).

Isaiah's immediate response was filled with dread: “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:5). At that moment, Isaiah felt the weight of his unworthiness in the light of God’s absolute holiness.

The fear Prophet Isaiah experienced was not just terror but a deep reverence that led to his sanctification and commissioning. A Seraph touched his lips with a live coal, declaring his guilt taken away (Isaiah 6:7). This fear of the Lord ultimately propelled Isaiah into his prophetic calling with boldness and humility.

Many modern Bible translations often replace the word fear with terms like reverence or awe. While these words capture part of the meaning, they fall short of conveying the whole biblical concept of the fear of the Lord. This shift can stem, at least in part, from a humanistic mindset that downplays the necessity of fearing God. Yet, Scripture makes it clear: the fear of the Lord is neither unnecessary nor optional—it is essential.

The Bible repeatedly emphasises the importance of fearing God. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This fear is not about terror but about recognising God's holiness, justice, and authority. It's a fear that humbles us, guiding us to worship and obedience.

By neglecting the fear of the Lord, we risk losing sight of His majesty and the weight of His commands. Genuine fear of God doesn’t push us away—it draws us closer in reverence, transforming our hearts and aligning us with His will.

Imagine standing at the edge of a thunderous waterfall, one so vast and powerful that its roar fills your ears, and its mist soaks your face. Below, the water cascades with unrelenting force, smashing into jagged rocks far beneath. The sheer majesty of the sight is breathtaking. The shimmering rainbow caught in the mist, the rhythmic pounding of the water, and the towering cliffs on either side create an experience that is beautiful, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable.

But as you stand there, mesmerised, another thought strikes you—one step too far, one misstep, and you would be swept into the torrent, utterly powerless against its might. That thought sends a shiver down your spine. It’s not terror; you’re in no immediate danger. Yet, the very knowledge of the waterfall’s power, combined with its beauty, commands respect, caution, and awe. You stand still, fully aware of your limitations in the presence of such overwhelming force.

This image provides a glimpse into the fear of the Lord. It is not a cowering fear but a profound recognition of His holiness, majesty, and unmatched power. This fear draws us closer to God, not because we dread Him, but because we are struck by His greatness and our own dependence on Him. 

Like standing near that waterfall, the fear of the Lord reminds us of His vastness and sovereignty, yet also His goodness and mercy. It’s a fear that inspires reverence, awe, and a deep desire to honour Him with our lives.

To fear the Lord is to walk the fine balance of delighting in His love while recognising His power. It’s not about running from Him but drawing nearer, understanding that His holiness is both beautiful and untouchable—a truth that transforms us when we embrace it.

The fear of the Lord is not something we grasp through human reasoning but through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. It is this profound reverence for God that transforms the way we think, live, and approach every situation. When faced with decisions, problems, or needs, the fear of the Lord compels us to ask, “What does God say about this?” This question becomes our guiding principle—not “What do I want?” or “How can I benefit?” but “What aligns with God’s will?”

Proverbs 3:6 reminds us, “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This attitude reflects a heart fully surrendered to God, seeking to honour Him above all else.

The fear of the Lord creates a motivation to live a life that pleases Him. It teaches us to value His approval over human opinion or self-interest. Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

When the fear of the Lord takes priority, no influence—whether it be people, circumstances, or ambitions—can rival God’s place in our lives. It leads us into true wisdom, peace, and purpose, empowering us to walk in alignment with His will.