Psalms 76:7 - Homilies By S. Conway

The fear of God.

Consider—

I. THE FORMS IT ASSUMES . There is:

1 . The fear of terror. The dismay of the vanquished enemies of God seems specially to be pointed at here (cf. Revelation 6:16 ),

2 . The fear of dread. The might and majesty of God awe the soul, as they well may.

3 . The fear of reverence. The holy character of God, when seen, cannot but inspire this.

4 . The fear of love. Such fear trembles and shrinks from causing pain to the object of its love. This is the sweet filial fear which is blessed indeed. It is but another form of the "love which casteth out fear." Some fear of God every soul must one day know: which shall it be for ourselves?

II. THE SOURCES WHENCE IT SPRINGS .

1 . The beholding of God's judgment on his foes.

2 . The experiencing of God's mercy to ourselves.

III. THE CHARACTER IT BEARS .

1 . It will be the supreme motive of the soul. No matter which form it assumes, it will be the supreme motive whilst it reigns.

2 . It will be exclusive. "Thou, even thou"—as if shutting out all other fear.

IV. THE BLESSINGS IT BRINGS .

1 . The Christian life cannot be begun without it .

2 . Nor perpetuated ; for life without it has no root.

3 . Nor perfected .—S.C.