The Fear of the Lord

This week I felt God impressing me to study the fear of the Lord.

I wonder what it is you think the fear of the Lord means?
Is it a fearful feeling or life giving feeling?
The fear of the Lord is not meant to have us cowering at the
judgmental pointing finger of this big bad guy in the sky.

Rather, it is showing respect and honor due the Most High King of the Universe.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence,
  but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation
  with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you to will and to act
  in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-13

We ought to be so careful that we do not treat God and the things of God as common, but holy.
We ought to remember that at the end of the day, when all is said and done....we will have to
give account for the way we spent our lives.

Let all the earth fear the LORD;
   let all the people of the world revere him. 
Psalm 37:8

I love the way John Bevere describes the importance of holy fear:
  Holy fear is the key to God's sure foundation, unlocking the treasuries of salvation,
  wisdom and knowledge.  Along with the love of God, it composes the very foundation of life! 
  We soon learn that we cannot truly love God until we fear Him;
  nor can we properly fear   Him until we love Him.
(from his book titled: The Fear of the Lord)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
  but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7

Father, I know that You are holy, powerful and due all my respect and reverence.
May I never loose sight of that fact and become so comfortable and complacent in our relationship.
Help me to truly grasp the fear of God, and live my life in a way that honors you.