A Different Kind of Fear

(Proverbs 10:24 KJV)  The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

What is the “fear” (4034) of the “wicked” (7563)?  First, note that this is a different word for fear than the one used in the phrase, “the fear of the Lord.”  The fear of the Lord involves awe and reverence.  It is a healthy fear rooted in the character of God and His love for us.  This word means terror.  It is rooted in our rebellion and the Holy Character of God.

To me the key personality trait that keeps people from coming to Jesus is a desire to be god of their own lives.  They insist that they be in control.  The idea of submitting to God is anathema.  What they fear is giving up control of their lives.  The sad reality is that fear will “come” (935)  upon them.  The Bible teaches that we are slaves, either to sin or to righteousness.  The difference is that one master destroys us, the other fulfills.

So?  You can’t win except by surrendering.  If you have let go, I greet you as a brother.  If you have not, I invite you to join the family.