“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

What does it mean to “fear God”?

It’s an idea that troubles some people. If God is for us (Romans 8:31), and if he is loving (1 John 4:8), and if perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), why in the world should we fear him? 

The word “fear” can have different nuances in different contexts. When we are told to “fear God” in a positive way, Billy Graham has a helpful explanation about the meaning: “reverential awe.”*

I would actually take it a step further with the phrase “volcanic reverence.”

Just think about the majesty, grandeur, power, providence, beauty and justice of God. He created our vast universe. Think of the stars, the planets, the sun and rainforests. Think of D.N.A. Think of how he moves forward his purposes even through the free will of broken people like you and me. Even think of hell—that place created for the devil, his angels, and those who do evil (Matthew 25:41; 13:40). Consider heaven—that glorious abode where billions of God’s people feast and praise and celebrate in the absence of pain and fear and in the presence of all good things.

Add to this the forgiveness and peace God has won for us in Christ and how he is making all things new! 

Yes, this is a God to whom we owe volcanic reverence!

I recently read that Mother Teresa and her sisters gathered to worship God each day at four in the morning before heading out to serve the poor on the streets of Calcutta. Philip Yancy comments: “God and God alone determines their worth and measures their success.”**  Why? Because they had a volcanic reverence for God. Both his vastness and closeness came together powerfully in Jesus. That reality motivated them to serve calmly and consistently in the face of chaos.

Let’s ponder (and serve) our Lord God the Almighty with volcanic reverence. 

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Notes and extra content:

–This week is the four year anniversary of the release of my second book, “Turbulence: Devotionals To Steady You Through the Storms of Life.”Click here to learn more or purchase.

–“Fearing God First—Psalm 27.” Sermon (and podcast). June 23, 2024. Click here.

–*Billy Graham, Nearing Home (Thomas Nelson: Nashville, 2011), 80.

–**Philip Yancey, Church: Why Bother? – My Personal Pilgrimage (Zondervan, 2001), 96.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.