Fear
Fear is not merely the fright caused by a horror film. Critics may praise the thrill of a scary movie, but no one recommends feeling truly afraid. The only reason a person should experience true fear is if he or she rejects Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior or defies God's commands. The Bible defines fear in two basic, but radically different ways: fear caused by lack of trust (see trust) in the Lord and fear caused by reverence, awe (see awe) and humble obedience to God.

God has authority (see authority) over all heaven, earth and hell, and he has the power (see power) to do whatever he wills. There is nothing to fear other than God. In God, we have peace (see peace) when we are devoted solely to him. Because of Jesus Christ's death for our sins, we are no longer afraid of punishment-but we should never forget how seriously God treats sin. Fearing God means living to please him rather than other people or ourselves.

Fear provokes thoughts of agony, panic or uneasiness, but the Bible is quickly to reassure us that this kind of fear is completely unnecessary. God constantly reminds his people: Don't be afraid because the Lord your God is with you!
Genesis 26:24
Deuteronomy 1:21,29
Isaiah 41:10
Acts 27:23-24
Hebrews 13:5-6
With God, we should never be afraid for the present or the future.
Psalm 27:1; 34:4; 46:1-3; 56:3-4; 91:5-6
Proverbs 1:32-33; 3:21-26
Isaiah 12:2; 35:3-4; 41:12-13; 43:1-2; 44:8; 51:7; 54:14
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Matthew 10:28-31
John 14:27
2 Corinthians 7:5-6
"Fearing the Lord" means revering, glorifying, trusting, and obeying God.
Exodus 3:6
Deuteronomy 31:12-13
1 Samuel 12:14,24
Psalm 33:8
Proverbs 14:16; 29:25
Malachi 3:16
2 Corinthians 5:11
Revelation 14:6-7
We can know we are fearing the Lord if we love what is good and want to please God with all our heart and life.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Proverbs 8:13; 16:6
2 Corinthians 5:9-11,15
God rewards those who fear him.
Psalm 34:7; 111:10; 118:4; 145:19
Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 14:26-27; 15:33; 19:23; 22:4; 31:30-3