FEAR and FRIENDSHIP

 JULY 4, 2024

Psalm 25:14

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

“Fear” and “friendship.” Those words normally don’t go together. How can the “friendship of the Lord” be for those who “fear him”? Doesn’t fear cause us to run away or avoid something or someone? Isn’t friendship for those who we hold close to us?Let us remind ourselves of the Bible’s meaning of the “fear of the Lord.” This type of fear does not necessarily mean to be frightened of something. Rather, it is a reverent awe of God, a respect for His power and glory. In other words, the fear of the Lord is a total acknowledgement of all that God is, which comes through “friendship and knowledge” of His character.

So, the Fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits. It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10). The fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). It is the fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27) and provides a security and a safe place for us (Proverbs 14:26).

However, we know that sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us. God knows this about us, after all he is our creator. I believe that is why God has generously sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the book of Genesis and continuing throughout the book of Revelation, God reminds us to “Fear not.”

In Isaiah 41:10 we receive God’s encouragement, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” We read in Psalm 56:11  “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds of the air, so how much more will He provide for His children? “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31)

You see as we grow in our friendship and fear of God we will learn to more and more put our trust in Him. The grip of fear will no longer have such a powerful hold on us, because we know who holds us. We will be like the psalmist who said with confidence “…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5:11).