The Fear of God: A Misunderstood yet Vital Concept
In a culture plagued by anxiety and fear, the idea of fearing God may seem counterintuitive, even contradictory. Yet, the Bible repeatedly commands us to “fear the Lord,” leaving many Christians perplexed. Is this fear a negative emotion, akin to dread or anxiety, or is it something more?
The Difference Between Right and Sinful Fear
Michael Reeves, author and theologian, argues that the fear of God is not about being afraid of punishment or judgment, but rather a happy, delighted fear that stems from a deep understanding of God’s graciousness. This fear is not about dread, but about reverence, awe, and wonder at who God is. In fact, Reeves suggests that a sinful fear of God can actually lead us away from Him, while a right fear draws us closer.
The Bible’s Portrayal of Fear
In the Old Testament, the fear of God is often paired with examples of His gracious blessing and commands to love Him. For instance, in Exodus 20:20, Moses tells the Israelites, “Do not fear…that the fear of the Lord may be upon you.” This verse highlights the paradoxical nature of fear, which is not about being afraid of God, but about having a deep reverence for Him. Similarly, in Jeremiah 33:9, the prophet writes, “They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.”
Redefining Fear
Reeves argues that our modern conception of fear is too narrow, focusing solely on negative emotions like dread or anxiety. However, the biblical concept of fear encompasses a broader range of emotions, including wonder, awe, and joy. In fact, the words used for fear in the Old and New Testaments are often physical words, conveying a sense of weakness or trembling, not unlike the feeling of being overwhelmed by beauty or majesty.
The Culture of Fear and Anxiety
Despite our emphasis on safety and security, we live in a culture of spiraling anxiety, where fear is often misplaced or misdirected. Reeves suggests that this anxiety stems from our failure to fear God properly, leading us to fear other things instead. By fearing God, we can find strength and courage to face life’s challenges, rather than being consumed by anxiety.
Fearing God and Fearing Punishment
One common misconception about fearing God is that it’s about fearing punishment or judgment. However, Reeves argues that this view is unbalanced, failing to account for the full range of God’s character. A right fear of God encompasses both His justice and His mercy, recognizing that He is a God of both wrath and love.
The Solution to Anxiety
In a world plagued by anxiety, the fear of God offers a surprising solution. By fearing God, we can find freedom from our fears and anxieties, recognizing that He is the one who truly holds power and control. As Reeves notes, “The fear of God is the antidote to our cultural anxieties and fearful running from one problem to another.”
A Word of Encouragement
For those struggling with anxiety, guilt, or shame, Reeves offers a word of encouragement: press into the gospel. Recognize that your sin is great, but God’s forgiveness is greater still. At the cross, we see the depths of our sin and the magnificence of God’s compassion and grace. It’s there that we can grow in the fear of God, finding freedom from our fears and anxieties.
In conclusion, the fear of God is a vital yet misunderstood concept in Christian theology. By recognizing the difference between right and sinful fear, and by embracing a broader understanding of fear, we can find freedom from anxiety and draw closer to the God who loves us.
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