Understanding the Fear of God: A Powerful Guide to Living Fearlessly

Pastor Reed Sowell

Fear is a natural part of life. In fact, there are countless kinds of fears—some of them are quite unusual, like the fear of balloons (globophobia) or even the fear of long words (hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia). While these might sound a little humorous, we all face fears that are more serious and deeply personal. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety, a medical diagnosis, or financial stress. The good news is, these fears don’t have to control you. God invites us to something far more life-changing—a holy and transformative kind of fear—the fear of God.

If you’ve ever wondered what the “fear of God” really means, you’re not alone. It’s a concept that can sound confusing or even intimidating at first. However, the fear of God isn't about being scared of Him, but rather standing in awe, reverence, worship, and obedience to the Creator of the universe. Click the link above for the full message.

The Fear of God: A Reverent Awe

When we talk about fearing God, we’re talking about having a right-sized view of Him. It’s recognizing His greatness, His holiness, and His overwhelming love for us. Proverbs 1:7 puts it this way: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

The fear of God is not the end goal of the Christian journey—it’s the starting point. It shapes our worldview and directs our steps. It’s like putting on glasses that bring clarity to the way we see everything else in life. Without this healthy fear, we’re left navigating the challenges of life on our own. But when God takes His rightful place in our hearts and minds, everything else falls into perspective.

So, what does it mean to fear God? It means standing in awe of Him. The God who created everything we see and holds the entire universe together is the same God who knows and cares for you. He’s not a distant deity, but a loving Father who invites you into relationship. The fear of God leads us to worship Him not just with our words, but with our whole lives.

Awe That Transforms Our Attitude

A proper fear of God begins to transform us from the inside out. As we draw near to God, we begin to align our attitudes with His. Proverbs 8:13 says, “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” This means that as we grow in reverence for God, the things that grieve Him will begin to grieve us as well.

But here’s where it gets personal. Before we start looking at the world around us, we need to turn our focus inward. It's easy to spot pride and arrogance in others, but a healthy fear of God compels us to examine our own hearts. When we take an honest look at our attitudes, are they aligned with God’s heart? Do we hate pride, arrogance, and evil in our own lives as much as God does?

Having a contrite and humble heart is crucial. Isaiah 66:2 speaks to this: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” When we approach God with humility, recognizing our brokenness, we begin to see transformation take place within us.

The Fear of God Influences Our Actions

Fearing God isn’t just about feeling reverence—it’s about letting that reverence shape how we live. Our attitudes inform our actions, and our actions reflect our obedience to God. Deuteronomy 10:12 says, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

This isn’t a passive call. It’s an invitation to engage every aspect of your life in worship and obedience. Loving God with all your heart and soul means letting your faith influence every decision you make, every relationship you nurture, and every priority you set. Obedience to God should be evident in the way we speak, the way we treat others, and the way we spend our time.

For example, what would it look like for you to prioritize your relationship with God every day? Maybe it’s dedicating time to read Scripture or pray. Or perhaps it’s stepping out in faith and trusting God with your finances through tithing. Jesus reminds us that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). When we invest our time, resources, and energy into the Kingdom of God, we’re choosing to live a life of obedience that reflects our awe of Him.

Walking in Fear and Trembling: Our Ongoing Journey

The fear of God isn't something you experience once and move on from. It's an ongoing journey that defines your entire life. Philippians 2:12-13 says, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

To “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” means recognizing that following Jesus is a lifelong process. It’s not about becoming self-sufficient; it's about growing in dependence on God. The more we walk with Him, the more we realize our need for His grace and guidance. Our fear of God drives us to keep pursuing Him, even when we feel like we’ve hit a plateau in our spiritual journey.

This is the kind of fear that leads to a blessed future. Proverbs 28:14 says, “Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” A life marked by a healthy fear of God is one that walks in His favor. This doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it does mean we can expect God’s presence, guidance, and blessings as we walk in obedience to Him.

How Does the Fear of God Impact Your Future?

When we talk about the fear of God, we’re not just talking about today—we’re talking about your entire future. Fearing God changes the way we approach everything in life, from our daily choices to our long-term goals. It’s the foundation that holds us steady, no matter what comes our way.

So, what does this mean for your future? It means that walking in reverence before God will lead to blessings, peace, and a life marked by His presence. You may still face hardships and challenges, but you’ll face them with the assurance that God is with you, working for your good.

The call to fear God is an invitation to live a life that reflects His greatness and goodness. It’s a call to let His holiness shape everything about you—your attitude, your actions, and your future.

Further Reading

• "The Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer - A classic Christian book that delves into the attributes of God and what it means to truly fear Him. Buy it here.

• "The Joy of Fearing God" by Jerry Bridges - This book explores the balance between reverent fear of God and joyful worship. Find it here.

Other Links

• Want to hear more? Check out another message from Pastor Reed titled, The Pillars of Healthy Community on YouTube.

• Explore more resources on growing in your faith on our resources page.