Fear and Wisdom

Have you ever gotten an “F” on a test? I always have this fear right before a test that I will flunk it! This fear usually motivates me to study hard. It can also cause me to be paralyzed or “go blank”. I learned during college that if I just found a window and looked out, while taking a few deep breaths, and realized, through prayer, that this is not the end of the world, that I could became calm and focused.

So what is the fear of the Lord and how is it different from our everyday fears such as test taking?

I believe that fear of the Lord involves awe, reverence and even sometimes terror. I think of awe as looking at all God created and being speechless. I believe terror exists before we know the Lord and before we know how much He loves us. Reverence keeps me saying, “Is what I’m going to do or is my decision going to bring glory to God or is it sin?”

Recently, I have been praying for wisdom and a verse kept popping into my mind. What I found, while looking it up is, that there are several verses with that relate to fear and wisdom, but my favorite is Psalm 111:10 (NLT) “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!”

The reason I was asking for wisdom from God was multi-purposed. First, I don’t always understand the Bible. Look at Romans 3:19-31 for an example of what I don’t understand! Second, I like all Christians, have been called by God to share His Good News with those around me. This is an awesome task that I feel ill-prepared for. So I ask God to give me his Holy Spirit to guide me and words to speak. Third, I do sin and I don’t like it! (Thank god He sent His son so that I would have forgiveness).

In a sermon I heard recently the speaker pointed out that Solomon (the wisest king who ever lived) did not ask for wisdom for his own personal gain, but so that he could make wise decisions for the people of his kingdom. God answered Solomon’s prayer for wisdom and also made him the most prospered king who ever lived. See 1 Kings 3:7-13.

Just this morning I heard “Amazing Grace”, and one of the verses is: “T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved.” To me, grace is undeserved favor. Amen.

I also know that fear of the Lord is not fear of the world. I don’t choose to live in fear anymore. And by God’s grace, my fears are relieved. I do, however, choose the fear of the Lord, which gives wisdom.

Dear Lord,

You are amazing and I am in awe of you. All praise and glory be to you. Thank you Lord for your underserved favor. Show me how to live in fear of You and in faith. I pray for others who are struggling with fear, Lord wrap your loving arms around them.

In Jesus Name, Amen.