Fear is not always bad

​6-18-23
Fear is not always bad
Today’s devotion is based on Psalm 139:13a, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
I recall the pastor in my confirmation class reading the explanation of the Ten Commandments contained in the Small Catechism. I found it confusing, as Luther starts every explanation of each commandment with the phrase, ‘What does this mean? We should fear and love God.
The fear of the Lord doesn’t mean being afraid of God since we know that God is our Father that always loves and forgives us on account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection on our behalf. It is no fawning fear but rather a joyful awareness of God’s grandeur and a grateful realization that only in him do our hearts find true peace. The attitude of those who trust God and feel protected, like a child with his Father.’
Please pray with me: Lord, we worship and adore you in all your majesty and magnificence. May our fear of you always remind us of your enduring love and commitment to us, now and in eternity. Amen.