PODCAST
The Fear of the Lord
March 4th, 2014
Psalm 111:1-10
Most people would probably define “fear” as a negative feeling. For example, I fear spiders and snakes. Other people may fear receiving bad news from their doctor. However, fear may also be viewed as a positive emotion in our lives. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalms 111:10)
In this, the first of several “hallelujah” Psalms, we see fear mentioned as a positive thing. Consider your parents. We typically love our parents. However, there may have been times when we feared them because of our bad behavior. We knew that they loved us and desired to protect us. Oftentimes our fear was not so much of punishment, although that may have been true, but a fear of disappointing them or violating their trust. The same is true with the fear of the Lord. We obey His commandments because of the love we have for Him and the love He has for us. Therefore, the fear of the Lord is the first step to wisdom.
“Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them” (Ps. 111:2). May we all ponder God’s love; this is the first step towards wisdom.
Author: Michael Paugh
