“The beginning of knowledge is fear of the Lord” Proverbs 1:7
This principle is restated in Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111:10, Job 28:28, and Ecclesiastes 12:13.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” Matthew 7:24
If the foundation is built upon sandy or weak ground, the building will not stand. The seventh gift of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:1-3) is the fear of the Lord, and perhaps no other gift of the Holy Spirit is so misunderstood. This gift of the Holy Spirit gives us the desire not to offend God, as well as the certainty that God will supply us the grace that we need in order to keep from offending Him. Our desire not to offend God is more than simply a sense of duty; like piety, the fear of the Lord arises out of love.
We need to have this gift if we are to draw close to God. As we read of His wonders and words in the Bible, we come to see God for Whom He is. We see His Majesty, and Power. True, we see God’s anger and power manifest against Sodom, His anger stirred as the people worship a golden calf, and a flood wiping out civilization. But, most importantly, we see God’s immense love for His children – you and I.
We read stories of Isaiah, Peter, and the guards in the garden who fell at the holy feet of God in total awe of the realization of that Majesty.
As we read these stories, we come to see God in the way Jesus spent His ministry trying to show us. Our Father. That alone should be awe-inspiring.
Maybe something very important comes from reading the Bible now in these dark and scary days, the knowledge of God’s victory over evil and a deepened trust in Him. As I reflect upon the Bible and the stories and verses I know, this is the main point I draw. God is, always has been and will ever be in total control of every little situation or struggle or joy that we face in our lives. He does everything with a plan to draw His people back to His Heart.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
The Bible is the ultimate love letter from the Father to each individual soul. That’s why each of us draws different things from the same stories or verses.
Read the Bible, get to know the One Who Loves you so much that He sent “His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16.
As you read this love letter you will come to see in dark times, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” Exodus 14:14. You will find comfort and rest in God. “Be still and know that I AM God” Psalm 46:10. You will come to know the awe of a soul loved by the Creator and called to be His disciple and apostle.