Fear is often a word associated with domination and intimidation. The person feared is most often in a position whereby he can bring harm to someone else. The person who fears someone else most often feels vulnerable and afraid to do anything that might place him or someone he loves in harm's way.

When David wrote of fear, it was with such emotion. The God of the universe is certainly able to do anything - good or bad as He wills. Every man, on the other hand is vulnerable to what God does and unless he has reason to believe God shows him mercy. It was Jonathan Edwards who preached a fiery sermon using Hebrews 10:31 the basis of his sermon: "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Some might conclude that David is implying that it's wise to stay out of God's way for fear of being hurt. But actually, he is suggesting we need to come under his authority and instead trust Him with our life. Trusting God is certainly wiser than trying to stay under God's radar and hopefully escape His notice.

If you want to know God's goodness, you must come to understand what God regards as bad. Then, knowing what God regards as bad, you'll be grateful his grace covers you and you're not judged for what's bad in you. If there was a Fearing God-101 class, we'd learn to thank him for his mercy while recognizing we don't deserve it. In fact, having any other attitude but humble gratitude is an invitation for God to look at our heart and reveal to us just how bad we really are. If that prospect doesn't drive fear into you, you're not paying attention.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ez. 27:1-28:26 Hb. 11:17-31 Ps. 111:1-10 Pr. 27:15-16 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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