Should I Fear God?

Fear of the Lord

“They will be my people, and I will be their God...I will never stop doing good to them. I will put a desire to worship me deeply in their hearts so they won’t turn away from me.”— Jeremiah 32:38–40

God loves us deeply and because of that love, God also teaches us something that’s vital for our walk with Him: the fear of the Lord. Yes, sure, he tell sus not to worry, but he also teaches us how to fear.

What is this fear? The fear of the Lord isn’t a dread of punishment, but a deep respect, reverence, and awe for who God is. It leads us to stay close to Him, to turn away from sin, and to live wisely. This kind of fear isn’t natural to us. We’re not born with it. That’s why God promises to give it to His people—to actually put it into our hearts. Psalm 103 describes some of them beautifully:

“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him…As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”— Psalm 103:8–13

John Newton, the man who wrote Amazing Grace, once lived far from God. Before his conversion, he had been a slave trader and a man who didn’t care for the things of God. But in his famous hymn, he wrote:

“‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved…”

Just like the Lord told Jeremiah, it was grace that first taught Newton to fear God. And it was that same grace that comforted and rescued him when he looked to Jesus.

If you belong to Jesus, the fear of the Lord is a gift you need. It helps keep your heart close to God and your eyes fixed on Him. It warns you from straying, and it anchors you in a holy reverence that protects you from the traps of sin and the enemy.

This kind of fear might feel uncomfortable at times. It often presses us to confront our pride or confess our wrongs. But it always pulls us closer to Jesus. It’s one of the ways the Good Shepherd lovingly guides and protects His people.

If you don’t yet know this fear of the Lord, ask Him for it. He delights to give it. It’s part of His grace toward you—a gift that keeps you walking in His goodness and mercy all your days.