Fear of the Lord

"A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30
For the past week, my study into becoming the "Proverbs 31 woman" has been focused on the quality of fearing the Lord. Many of the qualities listed in this passage were standard for this woman's time period and culture, but this quality of fearing the Lord is one that will remain standard for all time. Now, I don't know about you, but when I think of God, I like to think of my creator, my Father in heaven who will always love me more than I could ever even begin to fathom. He gave His son's life so that I might live!...knowing full and well that I would fail Him on a daily basis and am nowhere near worthy of His unfailing love and comfort and grace and compassion (the list goes on and on). Not exactly the type to be afraid of. I love my God who always has open arms and comforting words when I need them. However, fear and love must coexist in us before we can please and serve our God. New Unger's Bible Dictionary defines "fear of the Lord" as: dreads God's displeasure, desires God's favor, reveres God's holiness, submits cheerfully to God's will, is grateful for God's benefits, sincerely worships God, conscientiously obeys God's commandments. What helps me get a grasp on some of these qualities is thinking about my earthly father and the lengths I would go to just to know that he is proud of me and pleased with me. I respect him because of what a great man and father he is and hate it when he is disappointed in me. I am always afraid of failing him. As great as he is, how much greater is my heavenly Father?! and how much greater should my fear of disappointing Him be? He CREATED ME! He created everything! He holds the world in his hands...he has the power to heal, the power to forgive, the power to save! Why do I not shake when I approach Him to beg for forgiveness of the many times I fail Him? Why can we not grasp just how powerful and majestic and wonderful He is? How could I fail to think about this every day? This really bothers me that I could be so self-centered.

"The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom." Job 28:28
"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom..." Psalms 111:10
"Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom..." Proverbs 15:33

I think maybe God is trying to make a point here.

"But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you" 1 Sam. 12:24

"He gave them these orders: 'You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord' " 2 Chronicles 19:9

Scripture abounds with benefits to those who fear the Lord - a promise to provide for, protect, give wisdom to, save, and love those who fear Him. Why would we not want all of these things? He so badly wants us to have them...

I pray that I can have the balance of love and fear of the Lord that I need to serve him wholeheartedly and faithfully in every way possible.