Many times in the Bible we read the phrase, “fear the Lord.” Because I have been saved for about 38 years, I can read the word “fear” and be totally comfortable and understand that it means to be in deep respect and awe of God. However, to a new believer, or even a young child, “fear” can mean something that is unpleasant or dangerous or even something that can cause pain. New believers, as well as children, must understand that fear and reverence can be synonymous. “Revere” means to honor God, to adore God, to respect God profoundly and tenderly, to worship Him.

As our Heavenly Father, we believe that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, down to us to pay the highest price for our sins by suffering a horrible death on a cross as a substitute for us and to offer us His righteousness, which we didn’t deserve. God did that because He loved us THAT much! However, God wouldn’t be God if He didn’t chastise us when we are disobedient. It’s the same way when a good father corrects his children by punishing disobedience as a good father should.

Yes, we all miss the mark every day, but He has given us His Holy Spirit to live in us and convict us when we’re doing or saying the wrong thing. And, like a good Father, He’s just waiting for us with open arms to tell Him, “I’m sorry, Lord, forgive me.” And we’re right back sitting in His lap, talking to Him and loving Him for forgiving us and for loving us.

My own dad was not a loving dad, but a dad that we feared and didn’t want to be near. Consequently, it was difficult when I came to Christ to understand the concept of God as a loving “father.” But the Word, Jesus, changed my heart, and He has never failed me, not once! I love Him so much! He even changed my heart and helped me to see my dad like Jesus saw the sinner, with much compassion because my dad didn’t know any better, He didn’t know Jesus, so God made me see him with compassion as well, and now I could forgive him and pray for his salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Will you spend quality time with your Abba Father and tell him your concerns and fears more often? He’s waiting.
  2. Is there someone in your past or present that you know you have to forgive? Talk to Abba Father and ask Him with all your heart about it. Nothing is too hard for Him.
  3. King David messed up really bad, yet God called him, “ man after God’s own heart.” He repented whole-heartedly. Do you know that’s all our Father wants us to do as well?

Reference Scripture

1 Samuel 12:24