The Fear of God

By Archdeacon Habib Guirgus

Many believe in the Lord, but not all revere Him or fear Him or worship Him in truth and spirit. And in time of tribulation, their faith is put to the test.

Revere the Lord and keep His commandments and you will find grace and understanding in the eyes of God and man.

The fear of the Lord is the source of wisdom, and will keep you away from evil.
The fear of the Lord preserves the mind and the soul.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is a protected city and a safe harbor.

"In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to avoid the snares of death" (Proverbs 14:26, 27).

"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness... A good man deals graciously and lends; he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies... His horn will be exalted with honor" (Psalm 112:1-9).

O beloved, be steadfast in righteousness, reverence and fear of the Lord.  Fear the Lord and He will save you.  Keep His way and hold onto His commandments, and He will make you victorious-wait on His mercy. Believe in Him and you will not be put to shame. Seek Him only, and He will protect your way. The Lord saves His pious in time of temptation and tribulations.

Put your ways in the hands of God, and prepare yourself to please Him. No matter what comes upon you, be thankful for His mercy is on His pious; "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing" (Psalm 34: 7-10).

King Solomon said "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

"Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry... The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:11-18).