What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord? (It’s Not What You Think)

Fear Isn’t Always a Bad Thing

Let’s be honest: when we hear the word fear, we don’t usually think of it as a good thing.

We fear things like sharks, spiders, traffic, or clowns (yeah, I said it). But not all fear is bad. In fact, some fear is actually healthy. You don’t run with knives, not because knives are evil, but because you respect their power.

And the same is true with God.

The fear of the Lord isn’t about being afraid of God—it’s about honoring Him. It’s about knowing He’s God and we’re not.

It’s what I call reverent submission.

What Is the Fear of the Lord?

Here’s the definition I want you to grab hold of today:

The fear of the Lord is reverent submission.

It’s the posture we take when we realize just how holy, powerful, and good God is. It’s not casual. It’s not lazy. It’s not entitled.

It’s awe. It’s wonder. It’s worship with weight.

Even Jesus modeled this in His relationship with the Father. Hebrews 5:7 says He was heard “because of His reverent submission.” The New King James Version puts it this way: “He was heard because of His godly fear.”

So if Jesus approached the Father this way—how much more should we?

God Isn’t Your Homeboy

Let me say it clearly:

Jesus is your friend—but He’s not your buddy.

He’s not your sidekick, your hype man, or your personal assistant.

He’s the King of Kings.

He’s the one who rules heaven and earth.

And how you approach Him matters.

Leviticus 10:3 says, “Those who come near Me must regard Me as holy.”

That’s the fear of the Lord.

Want Deeper Friendship with God? Fear Him.

Psalm 25:14 says:

“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him.”

That’s not a contradiction. That’s the key.

If you want a deeper walk with God, a richer prayer life, more clarity in your calling—you have to approach Him with reverent submission.

That’s where friendship is born. That’s where He confides in us. That’s where His voice becomes clearer, and His presence becomes more real.

Key Takeaways

• The fear of the Lord isn’t terror—it’s reverent submission.
• Even Jesus approached the Father with godly fear.
• If you want to go deeper with God, you’ve got to go lower.
• Friendship with God requires awe, not arrogance.

Final Encouragement

I know this might feel intense, especially in a world where casual Christianity is common. But I believe God is looking for people who take Him seriously—not stiffly, but sincerely.

So today, ask yourself:

• Do I approach God casually or reverently?
• Have I lost my awe of who He is?
• What would it look like for me to submit to Him more deeply?

Let’s Keep Growing

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The more you walk in the fear of the Lord, the more you’ll discover the friendship of the Lord.

—Pastor Aaron