Open Eyes

Proverbs 28:14 (KJV) Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Fear makes us flexible and helps us adapt when we understand it correctly.  Keep in mind that this kind of fear that is being talked about is not the craven, quivering phobias that everybody likes to accuse you of.  This is the fear and respect that we have for things of great power and dominance.  Ultimately, this is talking about fear of God.

Fear can bring happiness.  That is the statement that is made here.  Actually, it’s the results of the fear that seem to be so beneficial.  When I am afraid to sit on a fire-ant nest, I find that I am a happier person.  In fact, I don’t even have to sit on it.  All I have to do is stand not moving when someone else is yelling, “Get away from the fire ants.”  That will rapidly make me unhappy.  A healthy fear will make my lunch go down better.

So?  Don’t try to pull a John Wayne when you’re surrounded by Indians and you have a back door to get out of.  Show intelligent, healthy fear.  Be aware of who God is and the fact that He loved you enough to send Jesus to die for you.