I used to tell people that I love Natural disasters. Now, I know that sounds like a morbid thing to say, but when you think about it, lightning is just incredible. It all blows my mind: tornadoes, Tsunamis, Volcanoes, Hurricanes! Don’t get me wrong; I would never want to be caught within a 100-mile radius of these events. But the natural power of wind, rain, electricity, heat, etc., just takes my breath away.

I just love storms. A lightning storm at night is one of my favorite things. Watching the lights dance across the sky is so peaceful. The pitter-patter of the raindrops dancing across the rooftops, mixed with the booming bass of the thunder, is like listening to the sky compose a concerto for the clouds. The beauty of the electrified night sky takes my breath away. I am left in awe of the power displayed in the lightning. Although it is beautiful, I know it is dangerous. My fear of lightning brings with it a vast array of emotions.

When I think about a storm, it reminds me of how I should fear the Lord. For most of my life, I was confused when told I should fear the Lord. Why should I be afraid of my creator, my sustainer, my savior? How can I fear a God I know loves me deeper than I can even imagine? I still don’t have answers to every question, but I am learning more about a reverent fear.

Synonyms of the word fear include admiration, apprehension, consternation, dread, esteem, fear, fright, respect, reverence, shock, veneration, and wonder. While the word Fear may be thought of by most as having a negative connotation, the words so closely related to it do not! Fear is typically an unexpected emotion. Something that surprises you leaves you in dismay. But when we fear the Lord, we are left with a sense of wonder and respect. We are in awe of His mighty power. Fearing the Lord does not have to be the same as being afraid of Him. Now I know He is all-powerful and could crush me with a single thought. But I also know He is gracious, loving, Just, and His mercy never ends. I understand that God does not give me what I deserve. And for that, I admire Him even more.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:12-13