Be Very Afraid

(Psa 130:4 KJV)  But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

This seemed like an awkward match:  Forgiveness and fear.  My nature position would be that in embracing “forgiveness” (5547) I would be far away from fear.  One lesson for us here is a glimpse into what the Bible means when it says God is to be “feared” (3372a).  

The Hebrew concept of fearing God includes craven fear but it goes beyond that.  It encompasses the aspects of awe and reverence.  This means that when we come to know God and understanding from the point of view of family, we have a healthy respect for His power and screaming justice but also the tempering balm of His lovingkindness.  It works for a powerful combination.  It motivates us for all the right reasons.

So?  Be afraid.  Be very afraid.  And bask in the security of that fear.