In the Bible, we learn some fear is good and some is bad. The books of Psalms and Proverbs speak of “the fear of the Lord” as a virtue fourteen times! “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10), “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 14:27), and “riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). Yet 1 John 4:18 says, “Fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” In Exodus 20:20, we find both aspects: “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”
How can fear be both good and bad? The answer depends on what or whom we fear. To fear God is a wholesome attitude! When we fear the devil, it is a sign we do not fear God, which means we have no faith in God. In fact, to fear Satan is to have faith in Satan! However, when we fear the Lord, we are essentially saying, “Ultimately Lord, You are in control. Therefore, my life is in Your capable hands, and I submit to You!”
On the other hand, to fear Satan is to believe he’s in control, your life is in his hands and you submit to him. May it never be so! Having the fear of the Lord keeps unhealthy worries from growing into monstrous trepidations because it reveals to us Jesus’ supreme position as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The fear of the Lord keeps us in alignment with the truth! Satan would delight in nothing more, than for your perspective of divine supremacy to get twisted. He wants your focus to get off of the Lord, and onto Him.
The Devil would love for you to believe that he calls all the shots and your life is susceptible to his plans for your destruction. But Jesus defeated him once and for all on the cross! Hallelujah! The finished work of the cross is not only a sign of the Lord’s victory over Satan— but your victory over him as well! Be encouraged! Proverbs 19:23 says, “The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.” Those who have the good fear—the fear of the Lord, are untouchable!
Source: (Faith: The Link with God’s Power, Chapter 22.)
