The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom… — Proverbs 9:10
There are a few things that I fear in life. For example, I have a strong fear of roller coasters, especially if they are in the dark. My son will often joke with me about this. There are many rides I will ride with him, but I respect the height and speed of many of them. I also respect that in the dark, I cannot see the dangers that might lie ahead.
Fear, in those moments, is tied to a lack of control and a lack of visibility. It is rooted in uncertainty.
When Scripture speaks about the fear of the Lord, however, it is describing something different. It is not fear, such as panic or dread. It is fear as reverence. It is a deep awareness of who God is: His holiness, His authority, His power, and His wisdom.
The fear of the Lord begins when we recognize that He is God and we are not.
Just as I respect the height and speed of a roller coaster because I understand its power, reverence toward God comes from recognizing His greatness. This kind of fear does not push us away from Him. It draws us closer in humility. It reminds us that His understanding is higher than ours and His ways are wiser than our plans.
Wisdom begins when we stop assuming we know best. It begins when we trust that God sees what we cannot see, even when the path ahead feels dark. Reverence steadies our decisions, shapes our responses, and anchors our confidence in something greater than ourselves.
If you find yourself facing uncertainty today, remember this: the fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of God. It is about trusting Him enough to acknowledge His authority. When we live with reverence, we walk with wisdom. Where might God be inviting you to replace self-reliance with reverent trust?
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