Fear God Alone

An issue confronted by disciples is that between fear and faith.  The question posed to us concerns “fearing God”, and trusting Him.  Deep within, we understand  the need for fear, at least a most serious respect.  Yet, intimacy cannot built on the foundation of fear.

Fear wrenchs us.  It comes pushing us in a corner, and immobilizes us.  It is impossible for us to trust with any confidence a God who is precarious and dangerous.  It’s like living with a bomb, one which could go off at any moment.

Having a relationship with a bomb is not logical.  At very best it is frightening,  and not at all comforting.  We would need to learn a paranoid discipleship.  Our faith is reduced to an uneasy relationship with someone who is quite dangerous.  Imagine of having a deep relationship with someone on the FBIs Most Wanted list.  But it must be understood; our faith will become affected, it simply cannot sustain the fear.  We’re not built to handle it; it drives us to a false sense of relationship.  It really is not viable.

Yet fear has a place.  Our Father shows us that He is not just some mere tribal deity over a specific group of people.  Rather, Jehovah God is the Creator, and the Sustainer of this terrestial ball, and everything that works itself out in the here-and-now.  We are to fear, but with an legitimate fear.  The Greek word for fear is “phobos”, it’s where we get the word for phobia.  The tension between a phobia and trust is profound.  Should we tremble in fear, or rest in His fatherhood?

I felt I personally had dealt with this issue.  But recently, I have grappled with fear, and then with faith.  I haven’t resolved this.  I’ve seen one side and have also seen the other.  This dicotomy has only intensified my issues.  Do I fear Him, or do I crawl up in His lap?  What do I do? I’ve learned that I deal with paranoia much more then I realize.

He loves me with a “crazy-love”.  His affection for me pushes the boundaries of anything logical or reasonable with His intense love.  He directed His Son to come for me, and lift me out of my ugliness, sinfulness and perversity.  His love goes beyond anything reasonable.

So, do I fear or do I love?  I think the wrestling with this will work itself into me.  It is fear and love combined, worked into my heart like yeast is worked in bread dough.  There will be a resulting effect.  I love Him intensely, and fear Him conclusively.