Into the Sea
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)
As a pastor, I have often heard people struggle to understand certain concepts in the Bible. One of these is reflected in the above passage, “the fear of the Lord.” It doesn’t help that some have been influenced by a steady diet of preaching that focuses on God’s punishment and wrath. Their questions are good ones: “Why should we fear God if He truly loves us? How does fear draw us closer to Him? Does God really want us to be afraid of Him?” To this, I have often appealed to the usual answer that the “fear” in these passages might better be translated as “respect.” Still, I found that this response seemed not to be fully satisfying.
While on vacation in Destin, Fl., I had an experience that provided a way to begin to unpack what is meant by the “fear of the Lord.” Destin is a wonderful beach town on the Gulf of Mexico, complete with white sands and deep blue waters. Several dining establishments offer the opportunity to have an evening meal waterside.
One night, my wife and I enjoyed such a meal. In between courses, we sat watching the sea. The sight was overwhelmingly beautiful. The sea stretched out to what, for my eyes, seemed like infinity. Its visible blue shade turned darker as it met the horizon, where it was a deep black. A full moon lit the waters, the reflection sending twinkling, shimmering light back up to our eyes.
As we sat gazing at the scene before us, I was amazed by the beauty and seduced by the sound of the waves rolling in and off of the shore. Part of me wanted to jump in for a moonlight swim. For a moment, I imagined the sand between my toes, the feel of the water and the romance of joining the shimmering surf. Those same waves crashed against the shore, providing a rhythmic beat that both calmed the heart and declared their power. Better thoughts prevailed. I realized that my moonlight fantasy was not a good idea, even if the beauty of the moment spoke to my heart like Odysseus’ sirens.
I remembered pictures of tsunamis that crashed into towns. The force of the water snapped trees in its path and pushed houses over like matchsticks confronting a semi. I thought of stories I had heard about people who ventured too far out and those who ignored the warnings of strong tides being washed away, sucked into that darkness I was seeing.
Then it occurred to me how much the sea is like the God who made it: full of awe, beauty, power, wonderfully refreshing, and teaming with more life than one can imagine. The Psalmist writes, “deep calls to deep.” God’s presence calls to us like that sea.
And yet such power is not to be taken lightly. There are laws of nature that one violates or ignores at their peril. Even ignorance of those laws will not stop their inevitable completion. With that thought, I again saw an aspect of life in God—what the Bible calls, “the fear of the Lord.”
The lesson of the sea is simple: Admire it, swim in it, enjoy the life it brings and the mysteries it contains. Yet never, ever take it for granted. Never think, even for a moment, that you can control it. Never try to swim against it. You will not last but a moment in opposition to its ancient flow. Yield to its invitation to ride its waves, but understand its power and perfection is more than you can grasp with head, heart, or hands. Submit to its power and find life and joy.
If the sea calls for such respect, how much more its maker.
—Rev. James R. Needham, PhD
PhD, MDiv
Are there times when you can remember being overwhelmed (in awe of) creation’s power and beauty? Of God Himself? The words of the well-loved gospel hymn, How Great Thou Art, speak to experiencing awe in nature.
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
The hymn’s chorus, then, speaks of the conclusion considering His vastness and majesty inspire:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Whatever fierce storm you face today, whatever trials await you tomorrow, be in awe of your God and Savior. May His splendor and glory inspire you to press on, press forward, in expectancy. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics