Is Fearing God a Good Thing?

 

Lindy discusses the importance and benefits of fearing God, from the beginning chapters of the book "The Joy of Fearing God" by Jerry Bridges.

 

 

What thoughts come to mind about fearing God?

When was the last time you sense a fear of God?

 

The Bible says that the fear of God is the foundation of knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Job 28:28).

But how can fearing God be a good thing?

In Chapter 1 of Jerry Bridges' book, it reminds us that the fear of God brings blessings.

 

Psalm 147:11 tells us that 1) fearing God gains God's delight while Psalm 111:5 says that 2) God provides food for those who fear Him, and 3) they too get to enjoy the fruit of their labour and 4) blessings within their family and marriage (Psalm 128:1-4). God also 5) fulfils the desire of those who fear Him, 6) hears their cries and 7) saves them (Psalm 145:19). Like a father, He shows 8) great steadfast love and compassion to those who fear Him, 9) removes their transgressions far from them (Psalm 103:11-13), and 10) makes them wise (Psalm 111:10).

 

As you can see, the book of Psalms expounds for us various benefits of fearing God!

From the Bible, we see that fearing God is both a good thing and a desirable thing to God. This is vastly different from the typical view that fear is a bad thing!

On the other hand, Hebrews 12:29 tells us that God is a consuming fire, while 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 has made known to us that anyone who does not know God and obey the gospel of Jesus will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction.

So while fire provides warmth on a cold night and sustenance, it burns and destroys, leaving behind ashes and unbearable pain. Just like how God provides and blesses those who fear Him, those who do not know God, let alone fear or obey Him, will be destroyed.

Further Reflection:

How can you show the fear of God in your life?