Reflection: When you think of God, what mental image do you conjure up? What expression do you see on God’s face as he looks at you? If there is any feeling of fear on your part, then I gently suggest that something is wrong.
Whilst it is true that the Old Testament says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” (Proverbs 9:10), it is meant to be the beginning, not the end. That verse is speaking about having a holy awe and respect for God –which is entirely appropriate. But this is different from being fearful.
The Bible says that those who have a fearful attitude toward God have not been “made perfect in love” – for there “is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18).
In an ideal world, no child should be fearful of its father. Neither should we be fearful of God, whom Jesus taught us to address as “Father”.
The reality is: you are a child of God. (Romans 8:15-17) You have all the rights and privileges of a son or daughter.
Rejoice in it.
Prayer: How is it that I can call the God of the universe, “Father”? Your holiness and majesty are beyond imagining – and yet you open your heart to me and call me your child. I am overwhelmed … and I simply want to say: I love you.