The joy of fearing God. It sounds like a contradiction doesn't it. How can you have a relationship with someone that you fear? We are by nature not prone to move towards those things that we fear because of the potential threat they pose to us. And so it is with God. 

The Bible commands us to fear God. But what does this fear involve? I thought that I was not supposed to fear Him and that "there is no fear in love because perfect love casts out all fear" (1 John 4:18). It seems kind of strange that the God we are to love, serve, worship, adore, seek, obey, and know Him, and yet that seems hardly possible if I cannot get close enough to Him. 

People try to deal with this tension in one of two extremes. On the one hand, there are those who care little about God and treat Him lightly. They see no need to think about fearing Him. God to them is like a boyfriend or grandfather to whom, on special occasions, deserves a Hallmark card with sentimentalism. Sinning is not such a big deal because "they're forgiven." On the other hand, there are those who have a morbid terror of God such that they do not dare sin, and yet they do it out of duty, fearing for their lives and never knowing the intimacy with God they were intended to have. 

Fearing God is nothing like either of these. The Biblical fear of God is something more than raw terror. It implies awe, reverence, respect, and admiration because of who God is and what He has done. It shows us that He is great, and we are infinitesimal. In short, the fear of God is that which puts us in our place. It teaches us that God is our authority. He is our Maker and our Master. We should have what John Piper calls, "a trembling pleasure" when it comes to God. 

Piper related a story of what came over him on a hiking trip. He was climbing when a large winter storm approached suddenly. Thankfully he was able to duck into a cave where he could be sheltered and wait out the storm. From the cave though, he could look out and see this storm that had the power to kill him. He was frightened. Then his fear turned to awe and pleasure as he realized that no one could survive out there, nor see the splendorous display of great power and might at such a close proximity. He was able to be in the middle of the storm and protected while at the same time enjoying that awesome sight of God's hand. A trembling pleasure. 

The fear of God is much like this. We see God in all His glory and infinitude, and then we become afraid. We are unworthy to stand in His presence as created beings, and even more unworthy to live because of our sin, which deserves hell forever. Too much for a human to bear! And then we see this awesome God initiate a relationship with us. He comes towards us, in love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness for all who would receive Him. It is what John the Apostle must have felt when on the isle of Patmos he saw the risen Christ and fell on his face in fear as a dead man, and then heard the Lord say to him, "Do not be afraid, I am the first and the last." It is a tension that Jerry Bridges teaches you to live in with his book, The Joy of Fearing God. This is a book that you will want to read soon and slow. 

I recommend Bridges' book as one of the most essential books you can read as a Christian. Over the last several months, I have become increasingly convinced that this understanding, pictured in detail by the author, is one of the most critical components to unlocking the Christian life. How you relate to God is the most important thing about you. And the fear of the Lord is spoken about more frequent than most issues in the Bible, in terms of our relationship to God. In Proverbs 1:7, we are told that to fear Him is the beginning of all wisdom. In Proverbs 14:27, Solomon says, "the fear of Lord is a life-giving fountain." It effects our marriages, our jobs, our communities, our obedience, our worship, and so much more. You will read this book, with frequent pauses to marvel and worship. Are you fearful? You should be! And after reading this, you will be.

From the Back Cover

What kind of relationship can you have with someone you fear?

For most of us, fear is something we try to avoid.  And fearing God hardly sounds like an occasion for joy.  But Jerry Bridges shows how the fear of the Lord is actually the key that opens the door to a life of true knowledge, wisdom, blessing, and joy.

We all want a deeper, more intimate relationship with God -- on that's characterized by joy.  But how does fearing God lead to joy?  After all, aren't we supposed to love Him and live in intimate relationship with Him?  Jerry Bridges explores this paradox as he unpacks the biblical promise that God delights in those who fear Him.

In The Joy of Fearing God, trusted author Jerry Bridges gives you a surprising and revealing look at what the Bible says about why and how we should fear God.  Join him as he unveils the awesome greatness of God -- His incredible holiness, deep wisdom, and especially His inspiring love.  You'll gain a deeper understanding of who God is that will draw you into a truly biblical, and surprisingly delightful, fear of God -- a fear that includes your own genuine, heartfelt delight in God.

You'll make the startling discovery that the fear of the Lord, far from being something to avoid, is the key to joyful, fulfilling, and genuine intimacy with God.  It can change your relationship with God and change your life!  Discover the surprising Joy of Fearing God!

About the Author

Jerry Bridges, former vice president for corporate affairs of the Navigators, is currently a sought-after conference speaker in a national Bible-teaching ministry.  He is the author of six books, including The Pursuit of Holiness, which has sold over one million copies.  Jerry and his wife, Jane, live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.