Biblical Answer

The Bible says "fear not" so many times, but what does it mean to fear the Lord? In the Old Testament, the term "fear of the Lord" is very common, and it refers to being overwhelmed with wonder before the greatness of God. Fear in this context means to be controlled by something, and to fear the Lord is to be overwhelmed with awe and reverence for God's power and majesty. This kind of fear is not about being afraid of punishment, but about being in a reverent relationship with God.

The Bible teaches that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). When we keep God's commandments and live a life of obedience, we demonstrate our fear of the Lord. This is not about being afraid of God, but about being in a right relationship with Him. The fear of the Lord is not something to be feared or avoided, but something to be sought after and cultivated. As the Bible says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). When we fear the Lord, we are humbled by His greatness and we seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

The fear of the Lord is not a fearful or anxious thing, but a joyful and liberating one. When we fear the Lord, we are not controlled by fear or anxiety, but by a sense of awe and reverence for God's power and majesty. This kind of fear is not something to be feared or avoided, but something to be sought after and cultivated. As the Bible says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). When we fear the Lord, we are free to live a life of obedience and joy, and we are able to experience the blessings and benefits of a right relationship with God.