In Psalms, chapter thirty-four, verse nine, the promises of God are conditional, reserved only for those believers who genuinely fear the Lord. God promises to deliver us from fear, as in verse four, and save us from trouble, as in verses six and seventeen. Send angels to encamp around us, as in verse seven. Supply our needs, as in verse nine. Give us abundant life, as in verse twelve.
Those who continue to fear the Lord, He will hear our prayers, as in verse fifteen, comfort us with His presence, as in verse eighteen, and redeem our souls, as in verse twenty-two. However, only if we seek the Lord, as in verses four and ten, and cry out to Him, as in verse six, draw close to Him, fear Him, as in verses seven and nine, and keep our tongues from the evil of lying, as in verses thirteen, remain separate from the evil world, as in verse fourteen, do good and pursue peace, as in verse fourteen, have contrite hearts, as in verse eighteen, and become His servants, as in verse twenty-two.
What does it mean to fear the Lord? The first natural reaction would be to be afraid of Him. No, that is not what it means. In Exodus twenty, verse twenty, ” And Moses said unto the people, fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.” Those who come to know God and accept Him should follow in obedience. To become saints of God, believers will commit themselves to the Lord in an act of love towards Him.
Ephesians five, verse twenty-one, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” God is love. Love the Lord and thy neighbor is the beginning.