Let’s talk about a word that makes a lot of people get all twitchy when it shows up in the Bible: fear.

Like when Scripture says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) Or when it tells us to “walk in the fear of God.” Or when you read something in your Bible that makes you stop and think, “Wait, am I supposed to be scared of God?”

Good question, but the answer is no, not exactly.

When the Bible talks about “fearing” God, it’s not saying God is some angry, cosmic cop hiding behind a bush with a radar gun, just waiting for you to go five miles over the spiritual speed limit.

Biblical fear of God is something way more awe-some, in the literal sense.

It’s awe, not terror. Respect, not dread. Reverence, not panic.

What is “Reverence?”

Reverence is a word we think we understand, but most of us rarely experience it.
It’s more than respect. It’s more than admiration.

It’s like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon and all you can say is, “Whoa.”
Or looking up at a night sky so full of stars you suddenly remember how small you are.

It’s when your knees go weak and your words fall short because you suddenly realize you’re standing in front of something – or Someone – infinitely bigger, wiser, and holier than you.

It’s awe.
It’s humility.
It’s worship.

Reverence is a deep, soul-level awareness that you’re in the presence of greatness.

That’s the kind of “fear” the Bible is talking about – a deep, jaw-dropping awareness of who God is: holy, sovereign, just, wise, powerful, and good.

To “revere” God means you take Him seriously. You acknowledge that He’s God and you’re not. You let His greatness shape how you think, live, speak, decide, give, forgive, love… all of it.

Reverence isn’t passive; it leads to action. It doesn’t just feel something, it does something. It bends the knee. It opens the hands. It says, “Whatever you want from me, God, have your way.”

So “Fearing” God looks like:

• Trusting His wisdom more than your own
• Obeying Him when it’s not easy
• Repenting when you blow it (because you know He’s holy and merciful)

So yes, don’t be afraid. But do fear Him. Be deeply aware that God sees you, knows you, and holds all power – and still chooses to love you. He wants to be around you. He wants to be close to you.

In Exodus 20:20, after God gives the Ten Commandments, Moses tells the people, “Don’t be afraid. God has come… so that the fear of Him will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

Translation: Don’t run from God in fear. Run to Him in reverence and awe. Let His holiness make you humble. Let His love make you bold.

Think About It This Way…

My family loves the zoo. We go pretty often. And every time, my favorite animals to watch are the big cats. Especially when they’re up and moving and active, I could sit and watch the lions all day long. They look so peaceful and calm, like you could almost walk up and pet one. They’re strong, in control, and incredibly powerful.

If it helps you to have a word picture to hang this idea of reverence and fearing God on, imagine a lion. You don’t mess with a lion. You respect a lion. But now imagine that lion likes you. It protects you. Fights for you. Walks with you. You can get up close to this lion. Would you still be a little bit shaky knowing the power you’re up close to? You bet. Would you feel totally safe? Probably not. Would you feel reverent? For sure.

You’d fear Him. But you’d also draw near. Who wouldn’t?

C.S. Lewis captured this tension perfectly when he described Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:

“Safe? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.”

That’s the fear of the Lord. Not the kind that pushes you away or makes you hide.

The kind that brings you to your knees in worship.

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Three Minute Theology is a series of blog posts, each designed to offer a quick but meaningful look at a subject related to God and faith – something you can read in just a few minutes but reflect on for much longer. Think of this as a starting point, not the full journey. My hope is that these snapshots will spark your curiosity and challenge you to dig deeper, open your Bible, ask questions, and explore how these truths about faith in Jesus shape your everyday life. Got a question you want answered? Drop it in the comments.