Psalm 111:10

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.”

Where Wisdom Begins

This phrasing about the fear of the Lord – I’ve never really known what to do with it. To say I’m afraid of something doesn’t usually feel like a positive sentiment to me. In fact, in the presence of fear, most of us practice some nuanced version of fight or flight. But over and over in the Bible, the fear of the Lord seems to be lifted up as a good thing. In this verse – wisdom and understanding are supposed to start with the fear of the Lord.

So – what do you think the fear of the Lord means? Could it mean that we are grasping the idea that God is bigger, and deeper, and wider, than anything we can possibly imagine? Could fear be another way of expressing awe? What if the fear of the Lord comes from beginning to accept and acknowledge that we are not the Lord? That kind of fear could lead to wisdom – wisdom to let go of trying to control things way beyond our ability. Fearing the Lord could be about understanding that the love of God surrounds us and gives us a chance to be made whole. That wisdom could bring light into the places of our heart that need healing and hope.

Prayer: Dear God, Help me see you through the eyes of wonder and awe that remind me I am part of something much, much bigger than I can imagine. Help me to grow in wisdom and understanding. Amen

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you respond to the idea that fear of the Lord might be defined as awe of the Lord, a recognition that the Lord is Other?
2. What helps you remember that God is bigger than you can imagine? What can you praise God for in your life today?
3. Try visualizing laying down your responsibility for everything – and watching the Spirit lighten your load.