We are conditioned to understand “fear” as something to be avoided and overcome; even the Bible repeatedly says “fear not.” Even more, we understand that good things do not evoke fear, only bad things. As a result, we struggle to know what to do with the invitation to fear God. How can fear be good, and if we fear God, how can He be good?

Fear is our natural response to something that could overpower us in some way; our bend toward self-preservation and remaining in control alerts us that something is about to impede both. This can be a healthy thing (fear of bears when camping), something that diminishes opportunities (fear of singing karaoke), and something detrimental (past trauma leading you to reject a good person.) Our issue is we do not understand God well enough to grasp that fear of Him is not just warranted, but vital. Even more, we do not want him to overpower us; our bend toward self-preservation and remaining in control leads us to reject His ways.

If He is actually God, He deserves absolutely all from us, and that could be the end of the story. Fortunately for us, “God is Love” (1 John 4:8), and we are not fearing a cruel God, but a God who owes us nothing yet gives everything. (John 3:16) This verse invites us to two things: to own how all-powerful He is and relinquish control, and to trust His steadfast, sacrificial love as we do. This delights the God of the universe, and that’s no small thing.