Spiders. Heather has given birth to three kids, ridden out the roughest rapids in Colorado, and negotiated favorable terms for contracts with her electric company, cable company, and a few times with the principal at her kids’ school.
But she screams when she sees a spider. She jumps back and does this dance. Like she’s stepping on blazing hot coals, hoping to elevate her feet off the ground so the creepy, crawly creature doesn’t scamper up her leg.
What’s your greatest fear? More than that, how does that fear affect you? Most of the time what we fear causes us to run away. It’s scary. It’s icky. It’s going to hurt us, ruin us, kill us, take away what we treasure.
The “fear of the Lord,” however, makes us run to him not away from him. The “fear of the Lord” makes us live in a way that is different than the way we’d live without him. The “fear of the Lord” helps us, protects us, and consumes our other fears.
When the fear of the Lord is greater than any other fear in your life, you will be less stressed and more blessed. With peace, joy, confidence, a clear identity and purpose, balanced priorities, and healthy relationships.
These won’t be perfect, but you’ll do life in a special way like you’re dancing in front of your favorite song artist at a concert, with front row tickets. There’s this awe you have of the performer on the stage. That’s like the fear of the Lord.
Not scary, not icky. It’s the highest of adoration. It’s the “wow!” and the “whoa!” of watching God, waiting for him, wanting more of him. Because he created spiders. He created light and sound designed for a live music experience. He created you, and chose you by grace to be his child.
So run to him, and maybe even dance in front of him. “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23).
PRAYER: Dear God, I live with fears but want my greatest fear to be my awe and respect for you. The fear of the Lord leads to life. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Write this down: The fear of the Lord should be greater than any other fear in my life. Make an i-Note. Scribble on a sticky note. Email yourself. Write it on a notepad. Keep it in front of you this week.
