I hear the Psalm, “Blessed are those who fear the Lord” (Psalm 128:1). Am I supposed to fear God?

Robert in Effingham

---

Multiple Scripture passages speak of “The fear of the Lord.” It is even one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit ones receives in confirmation: “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him … a spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2-3).

So, how can we feel blessed by and delight in a God that we fear? Well, it’s not the “fear” you are thinking of. We almost always give a negative connotation to fear, as if we need to tremble before a God ready to punish us. Instead, the Scriptures say, “The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation,” and it “Rejoices the heart, giving gladness, joy and long life” (Sirach 1:11a,12). 

The gladness, joy, and rejoicing that is spoken of in these passages comes for those who have “an appreciation of the greatness and goodness of God and a longing to do what is right in God’s sight.” To have a “holy fear” of God is to be in reverential awe of the power and glory of God and of His unmerited love for us.

Now, back to how we commonly define fear. One thing we should fear is offending God through sin and then turning away from His gracious love and mercy. Though we all have struggles and weaknesses, the Holy Spirit is here to help us to grow in the respect and love of God so we can turn away from sin.  

Jesus has made it possible to overcome fear through His unending love. Filled by the mercy and love of God, we can truly overcome all fear. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love” (1 John 4:18-19). 

“The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord” (Sirach 1:14).

May we seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to help us grow in understanding of these Scripture passages that speak to us so beautifully of the gift and blessing it is for us to grow in this reverence and awe (fear of the Lord) of such a loving God.  

Father Dan Willenborg is pastor of Holy Family in Litchfield and St. Agnes in Hillsboro.