THE FEAR OF THE LORD!

“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.”
Deuteronomy 10:12
King James Version

There was a time during a storm, if there was thunder and lightning, people turned off the lights and televisions and sat quietly in the dark until it stopped. The older people said, “the Lord is speaking and doing his work.” This is scriptural. In Exodus twenty, immediately after the Lord gives the ten commandments, the people were terrified by the thunder, lightning, and smoke that signaled God’s presence. Moses responded, “Don't be afraid, for God has come in this way to show you his awesome power. From now on, let your fear of him keep you from sinning” (Exodus 20:20).
How does fear keep us from sinning? The fear of the Lord is an inward attitude of humble reverence toward God, in light of His self-revelation, that results in outward expression of Christlikeness. To fear the Lord means to respect, honor and reverence Him for his power, majesty, splendor and character. In response to His greatness, we will realize he is the only one worthy or praise and devotion. As a result, we will obey and walk in a way that will honor and please him.
Walking in the fear of the Lord will require that we really know who God is and what he requires of us. God reveals his character, power and expectations to walk before him. He requires reverence and honor, obedience, love and service. The inward attitude of reverence and respect will result in outward obedience and service. It is impossible to say you love God and not obey Him. John 14:15 says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
The fear of the Lord is not being terrified or having a feeling of dread toward him. People who have a feeling of dread toward God expect imminent destruction and do not have an understanding of the character and nature of God. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Awe, reverence and respect of God are essential in the life of the believer. The fear of the Lord will cause you to walk in righteousness and holiness before men and behind closed doors. Grow in the fear of the Lord by developing a deeper relationship with him through the word of God. Pray and ask him to unite your heart to fear his name (Psalm 86:11). Finally, live each moment being aware of God’s presence.