Fear in one form or another is a recurring emotion in the hearts of many. Fear saps vitality and happiness, destroying the joy of faith and fellowship. Fear of pain, suffering and death is common to most at some time or other. Even the strongest of men have trembled when faced with imminent death.
Darkness, snakes or spiders are, to some, very real causes of fear. To others it may be open spaces or confined spaces. To yet others it may be of speaking in public or making decisions. Fear of change, fear of failure, fear of inadequacy, fear of ridicule or of inferiority—the list is endless. Almost everyone has some fear of something. Some are more serious than others, but to some their particular fear is all-consuming, and even life-threatening.
But for the disciple of the Lord there is something more: an activated conscience producing a fear of the Lord. A recognition of selfish sinfulness and a trembling contrition initiates a fear-induced flight. This was seen in the garden of Eden, when our first parents fled from the presence of the Elohim: “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden” (Gen. 3:8). This was a fear-induced flight, a guilty fear which did not comprehend the forgiveness of God.
When Moses received a revelation of the glory of God on Mount Horeb, “he turned aside to see” the sight. Instead of fleeing from the presence of God, he actually sought the Lord with fear and trembling; yet he “hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God” (Ex. 3:4,6). Here is the beginning of a true approach before God. Here is a demonstration of fear tinged with faith, of hesitation with a touch of confidence. True men of God know that, although their God is a consuming fire, He is also a God Whose fire gives both warmth and light. The man or woman who comes willingly to God does so, not only in fear, but also in confidence.
This kind of fear is possibly of a different order from that which we have already described. It is a deep and profound form of response. It is something which is rational rather than irrational, reasoned rather than reactionary.
The fear of God puts all other fears into perspective. They are seen for what they are, important but relatively unimportant; for, although they may well affect one’s peace of mind here and now, they do not affect the life everlasting. As the Master said: “fear Him Which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt. 10:28).
The fear of God begins with awe, a recognition that there is a power beyond mankind which is all-powerful. This response develops into a respect for a Creator Who is also concerned with the salvation of dying mankind. In due course this becomes love for a Father Who cares to the uttermost for His children. Awe, respect and love are the key responses required by God from erring mankind. They are summarised in one word: fear. True fear; not cowardice, not a frightened, irrational phobia, but a loving response to a caring Father.
This is what I believe the well-known quotation from the book of Proverbs is actually saying: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (1:7). When we match this with the following quotation from the First Letter of John, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 Jno. 4:18), we have a very beautiful and satisfying interpretation of the fear of the Lord. It is awe, respect and love; everything that is contained in the repentance of a contrite sinner. From this point of view the fear of God puts all other fears into perspective. If we fear God then there is no need to fear anything else. All other fears are groundless and seen for what they are, irrational phobias.
A storm looks different from the safety of the harbour. The darkness of the country lane is banished by the street lights. A disease is less fearsome when we are with another who has suffered the disease before.
Listen to these words from the Psalms:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (27:1); “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me” (23:4);
“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. . . it shall not come nigh thee” (91:5-7).
Fear of the unknown is seen for what it is when an invisible Father is perceived by faith. The belief that God protects those that are His is a very real and effective force for good. It is a motivating and protective aid to faithful discipleship. As the wise man said:
“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken” (Prov. 3:25,26).
When fear becomes a reverent awareness of God and His guidance then it is not fear. But when reverence turns to a phobic fear then faith has vanished and religion is dead. Most of mankind fears all sorts of things and suffers all manner of pain as a result. We are exhorted: “neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid”.
Instead we should “Sanctify the LORD of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary” (Isa. 8:12-14). Or, as the Septuagint translates it: “fear not ye their fear”; a rendering which is used by the Apostle Peter (1 Pet. 3:14) in the context of suffering for righteousness’ sake, and of preaching the Word. In other words, when everyone else is worrying and despairing, the man of faith should stand sure and share his faith with those around him.
Fear God and His Son and you will have nothing else to fear. As the disciples had to learn on Galilee so long ago, if Jesus is with you then you can smile at the storm. “Peace, be still”, he said, “and there was a great calm”. The question echoes down the ages, and is as relevant to us as it was to them:
“Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mk. 4:39,40).
Have faith in God, and “fear not them”.
Reflections on the Potter and the Clay