A Word of Encouragement

July 11, 2026

PA009 - Waterfall

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; All those who follow His commandments have a good understanding; His praise endures forever.
	Psalm 111:10

What is 'fear' of the Lord? Does it mean we should be 'afraid' of God? He is all-powerful, He knows everything we do, say, or think before we do, and He is not limited by time or space. What did Jesus say when His followers were afraid of Him? He said, "It is I; do not be afraid." (John 6:20) And years later, after a vision he had of Jesus, John wrote,

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades."
	Revelation 1:17-18

Those are not the words of someone who wants us to be afraid of him. So what IS meant by 'fear of the Lord', and how IS it 'the beginning of wisdom'?

Jesus said, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)

Knowing who God is, what He has done for us, and that He loves each of us personally, leads us to revere, honor and obey Him as we submit to His perfect plans for us. (Jeremiah 29:11) That should be our response to His loving sovereignty; And submitting to His plans, without rebellion, is wisdom.

Reverence, honor and obedience are the beginning of living the life God designed us for

El Elohim - God, the Mighty One - help me submit to Your sovereignty.

Do not be afraid, only believe.
	Mark 5:36c

Fear God,