Reconciling God's Character: The Fear of the Lord in the Psalms of Ascent
Have you ever noticed that God has this reputation as being gracious and loving in the New Testament and wrathful and vindictive in the Old?
I spent much of this past year studying the Psalms of Ascent–the 15 songs sung as the Israelites made the pilgrimage to the Temple for the holy feasts. It was a study filled with the assurance of God’s presence and care for His children. It was a rich study, especially as I noticed the recurring theme of the fear of the Lord.
Too often, we subconsciously believe this and perhaps go so far as to think His character is inconsistent– as if He isn’t really who He says He is. When we’re sucked into thinking this way we can begin to see Christ’s coming as a PR move, designed to repair public image. But this just isn’t the truth.
There are hundreds of calls to fear the Lord in the Old Testament, but Psalm 130:3-4 offers us insight into what that ought to look like: “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared” (ESV).
The Psalmist writes that our fear of the Lord is born of awe and gratitude at His great mercy and grace toward us, not of terror. Our fear of Him is not a response to a harsh or vindictive God, but instead the rightful response of love to a Father who offers plentiful forgiveness. The Creator who spun galaxies out with a word could easily destroy us in our sinfulness and instead offers forgiveness and redemption. Our fear prompts us to tremble before Him in awe, not cower in terror.
Fear of God is the result of recognizing His kindness and goodness in contrast to our sinfulness. It recognizes that we are dependent upon Him as children to our Father. This fear is the proper regard for the whole of His character–His justice and mercy alike.
As we fear God we become expectant for His care for us, we grow in our security in His provision, protection, and pardon. The forgiveness of sin at the hands of God produces fear in Him, it leads to awe, repentance, and a life devoted to Him alone.
Rejoice in your forgiveness, sister! Fear the Lord with humility and accept the care of a God who is consistent in all His ways.
Meet the Author
Stephanie Wilcox
Stephanie is an avid tea drinker, thrifter, and reader. Stephanie and her husband, Brandon, live in the Pittsburgh suburbs with their three children, where they enjoy participating in serving the body of Christ together. In the constant pursuit of delight in the Creator, you can most often find her outside with her kids, with bare toes in the grass, hiking, or pulling weeds out of her mediocre garden.
