happy fear
"Immediately on catching sight of Jesus, the whole crowd was overcome with awe." —Mark 9:15
Is your relationship with God one of awe and reverence, or is God just "the Man upstairs" to you? Do you have the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom? (Sir 1:12) This does not mean a fear of harm but an overwhelming sense of awe in the Lord's presence. "Fear of the Lord is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown. Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days" (Sir 1:9-10).
Do you have more reverence for the Lord the longer you know Him? Is prayer becoming more of a privilege every day? Like the New Testament church, are you "making steady progress in the fear of the Lord"? (Acts 9:31)
"A reverent fear overtook them all, for many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles" (Acts 2:43). Is a joyful, happy fear overtaking you? "He who fears the Lord will have a happy end; even on the day of his death he will be blessed (Sir 1:11).
Prayer: Father, may I learn and live the fear of the Lord. May I see Your awesome presence manifested within three hours.
Promise: "Everything is possible to a man who trusts. The boy's father immediately exclaimed, 'I do believe! Help my lack of trust!' " —Mk 9:23-24
Praise: Experiencing a newness in her faith, Joanna became aware in a deep way of the glory of God.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Evangelization on audio AV 58-3 or video V-58.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 3, 2006 & September 18, 2006
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