The Fear of God

God presents us with two different types of fear in the Bible. In the first one, He tells us to fear not.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV (7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

God tells us that this fear is not from Him, and it opposes His manifestation of power, love, and a sound mind in our lives. Therefore, courting this type of fear separates us from God.

The second type of fear causes us to run to God and become joined to Him. It is sometimes also called awe or extreme respect for God. This type of fear is of allowing ourselves to become separated from God. The results of it are to draw close to God mentally, physically, and spiritually and stay there. We desire, above all things, to draw closer to Him every minute of our lives and abstain from all rebellion or sin.

One fear causes us to run from God or keep a safe distance from Him, and the other causes us to run to Him. Jesus had the second type of fear in His life.

Hebrews 5:7 KJV (7) Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

The death that Jesus feared was that which followed separation from God. Therefore, God listened to His prayers because He feared separation from God.

When we tolerate sin in our lives, this activity, whether mental or physical, separates us from God. Conversely, a lack of fear of being separated from God always blinds our spiritual eyes, ears, and hearts allowing us to continue sinning without fearing consequences.

Ask the Lord to give you a fear of being separated from Him eternally. Everyone should be confident and joyful in their relationship with God but never to the point of being casual or indifferent.