Simone stood with her daughter gazing at Castle Mountain in Banff National Park. Its individual crowns shaped perfectly to form a castle-like structure. The clouds kissed the peaks and gave off a gothic feeling. Even though the summer heat caused Simone to wipe her brow, the snow at the top sent shivers down her arms.
How could something so beautiful cause one to fear it?
Katie tugged on her arm. “Mommy, my Sunday School teacher told me I need to fear God. What does that mean?”
Simone smiled. She had been asking herself the same question for years. How could she answer if she didn’t totally understand?
She glanced back at the snow-capped peaks, and pointed.
“See that mountain? Does the size scare you?”
“Yes.”
“But, do you also see how beautiful it is?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know what it means to stand in awe of it?”
Her daughter shook her head.
“It means to admire it. Do you?”
Katie tilted her head to one side and looked up. “Yes.”
“That’s similar to what it means to fear God. You admire Him. Worship Him.”
“Oh.”
The sun’s rays peeked through the wispy clouds causing the snow to glisten on the Castle. Its majesty screamed for all to fall at its feet.
As a child, I heard the expression of fearing God and for the longest time I had absolutely no idea what it meant. Wasn’t God a God of love? I was supposed to love Him, not be scared of Him.
Huh?
How could I fear Someone so majestic? So beautiful? Easy. God is love, but He’s also a just God. He wants our obedience. It saddens Him when we don’t give it.
Then there are those who aren’t scared of Him at all. They don’t care what He thinks and they live their life in direct disobedience to His word. Oh, they may say they believe in God and even love Him, but do they stand in awe at His presence? Probably not.
I’ve stood at the base of Castle Mountain twice in my adult life. Once with Jeff and the second time with my sister and mother. It was my favorite of all the Rocky Mountains. My jaw dropped as I stared at its majestic peaks. Wow. Yes, its size scared me, but I stood in awe of its beauty and most importantly of its Designer.
That’s how we are to live our lives. In awe of our Creator. The One who deserves our praise. In obedience.
What would happen if we truly feared God? At the end of our journey He would say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Well done.”
Do you long to hear those words one day? I do. Let’s fear Him today.
Deuteronomy 6:13 (NIV)
“Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.”
“Those know enough who know how to fear God”. – Matthew Henry
Castle Mountain
(also called Mount Eisenhower)
Love the new profile pic. Really impressed with this series of challenging posts as well. Keep up the good work, my friend.
Thanks Steph!!!
Your words are so so encouraging to me and so are you!!! God bless you my precious blessing from God!
Thanks girlfriend. You are such a blessing to me! I appreciate all your encouragement in my writing. You’re the best! Luv u xo
Many years ago I struggled with the “fear” of the Lord. I’ve heard many people question this fear as they relate it to worldly fear. You’ve given a very nice descriptive definition. Have a blessed day, my friend.
Thanks Loretta! You have a great day too. Will be thinking about you and praying for you in the upcoming special festivities! 🙂
I appreciate this post. Our God is great. Love your new photograph as well as the picture you choose of Castle Mountain.
Thanks Heather. Castle Mtn is so beautiful! The picture doesn’t do it justice.
God bless my friend!