The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7, CSB
God should be our source of hope, joy, and peace. We should fear the wrath of God before we are found in Christ, but we should walk in reverence of His majesty, finding peace and joy in the wisdom and correction He offers us through the Holy Spirit.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:5-7, NASB
Many of the problems we face in this life come from bad decisions we have made, thinking we know better than God or that God might not care enough to bother with us.
We can overcome the problems in this life as we turn our focus on Christ and living according to God’s will through the power of the Holy Spirit. He cares for every part of our lives, and He has given us guidance through His Word and by His Spirit.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3, ESV
We must do the difficult thing of admitting we are wretched sinners to a holy God then we will find ourselves lamenting our condition. This is when we are free to receive God’s grace and forgiveness in Christ and find the full eternal freedom He offers.
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4, ESV
It takes humility to admit we’re wrong and need help. Until we can do that, we’re under God’s wrath. When we admit our need for God, He honors us with forgiveness, life, and the glory offered through His Son.
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30, ESV
The Church is not supposed to be merely a place of entertainment and feel-good messages. The Church is the Bride of Christ who draws others to herself by her devotion to and worship of God our Savior.
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
Proverbs 29:25, ESV
When we are afraid of what people might say or do to us, we fall in the trap of thinking they as if they are greater than God. No matter what this world does to us, we can know we are eternally safe in Christ.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!