Fear of God and ‘Fear Not’ by Myra Kahn Adams for Town Hall
As often happens, when I begin writing this Study, a verse or song suddenly flashes into my brain about the chosen topic. Today I am blessed to report it is a Christian anthem, “Our God is an Awesome God” — usually sung with great passion at large gatherings (pre-COVID) such as this performance by Michael W. Smith.
By design, the lyrics are simple and repetitive until the message is drilled into your mind, heart, and soul:
“Our God is an awesome God He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love our God is an awesome God.”
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While trying to decipher why this song “flashed” for today’s topic — “Fear of God and ‘Fear Not’ ” — I realized the answer is in the lyrics.
Our God is to be feared because he reigns over us with “wisdom, power, and love.” Paradoxically, because He reigns over us with wisdom, power, and love — is why we must “fear not” — and why He is “awesome.”
Let’s dive deeper into the verses that explain both sides of God’s “fear equation.”
We start with the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), explaining the reasons why you should fear God:
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
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 111:10).
The verses are clear that you should fear God IF you lack the “wisdom” to believe in Him, praise Him, and obey His laws. However, there is good news IF you fear Him:
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27).
The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble (Proverbs 19:23).
