We Choose the Fear of the

Psalm 111:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who DO His commandments.  His praise endures forever.

Psalm 118:6  The Lord is on my side; I will not fear what man can do unto me.

Ecclesiastes 12:13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

This is our last look at the “fear of the LORD.”  It is used more than 300 times but I think we get the idea:  IT IS THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN.  It is the beginning of wisdom.  It gives understanding.  It puts God on my side.  It erases all other fears.  But look closely, a remarkable statement is found at the end of Psalm 111:10.  Don’t miss this!  The Lord’s praise endures forever?  Who is He praising?  The one who is obedient; the one who fears the LORD!  “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  (Matthew 25: 21, 23)  God praising His children!!!!  Does that make you smile?

Solomon stated the opposite side of the same coin:  “Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)  Hmmmm, I can one day hear the Lord  say “well done,” or “fool.”  That is kind of a no brainer.  Eternity hearing His praise or eternity knowing I was a fool.  Lord, may I be wise!

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom is written by King David, man after God’s own heart,  and quoted by King Solomon, his son, wisest man of all time.  The beginning of wisdom is the foundation of all knowledge:  Reverence, awe, respect, obedience—-all the requirements of getting through kindergarten.  The obedience David says is the proof we have understanding.  Wisdom passed down from one generation to the next.

So why do we resist the “fear of the LORD?”  If this is the whole duty of man and provides understanding, are we stubborn or stupid?  God through His Word gave us nearly 100 reasons to fear not and a multitude of “fear the Lord your God” statements.  He repeats these over and over because we are children and need repetition.  What a PATIENT Father our God is!  What a loving God!  What a benevolent LORD.

As we come to the conclusion of the study of the fears or fear nots of Scripture it can be summed up in “I have N.O.T.H.I.N.G to fear (shake in my shoes over) as long as I fear (stand in awe and reverence) the Lord my God.

I am so thankful for Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance that guided my study to each scripture.  It never ceases to amaze me how the Holy Spirit teaches, brings other scriptures to mind, and uses the Word to mold this lump of stubborn clay one thumbprint at a time into the image of Christ.  With this knowledge we will safely tread whatever deep water we find ourselves in and do it until Jesus comes!  NO FEAR is possible when we fear the LORD who is in control and knows what tomorrow holds.

Acts 9:31  Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had PEACE and were edified.  And walking in the fear of the LORD and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.  

Revelation 15:4  Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed

Treading toward home,
LORD  by the Maranatha Singers

Say Amen- Finding Favor