What does it mean to have a “fear of the Lord”? For a long time, I struggled to know what that phrase meant practically. I mean really. Does it mean you’re afraid of God, in the same way that someone would be afraid of the dark or heights or the boogieman? Or is it different?

This topic is a big deal Biblically. “The fear of the Lord is the theme of Proverbs (1:7), the conclusion of Ecclesiastes (12:13). This fundamental is acknowledged by the psalmist (111:10), by Job (28:28). It characterizes the ideal woman (Prov. 31:30) and the successful man (Psalm 115:13, 147:11)” (Laney). We’re also told that it is the “beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). So what does it really mean? And do I have it in my life?

The Bible actually tells us what the fear of the Lord is in Proverbs 8:13. “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.”

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, implying that someone cannot have a real fear of the Lord while choosing to do evil.

Fear of the Lord and disobedience cannot coexist.

So, do I have the ‘fear of the Lord’? The way to tell is by looking at my life. Are there areas of my life that are characterized by disobedience? If so, then I’m failing to fear the Lord as I should.

Here’s the question out of this that I’m wrestling with – What does it mean to cultivate the fear of the Lord? If the fear of the Lord is opposed to disobedience, then the presence of the fear of the Lord in my life is directly tied to my obedience and holiness.

What do you think it means to cultivate the fear of the Lord in your life?