Yirat Adonai!

Yirat Adonai is the Hebrew term for "fear of the Lord."   As English speakers, we see the term "fear" as more of a sign of needing to be scared.  It is also seen as being the opposite of trust.  It's synonyms are fright, dread and terror. 

Do you think that God really intends to convey that we should be in fear, mistrust, dread and terror of Him? 

Of course not! 

The Hebrew term Yirat comes from the Hebrew word - Yirah (pronounced YEER-ah) and it means a great many things depending on it's context.   For example, while it can mean fear, dread and terror but can also mean worship, reverence, respect and awe.   The exact meaning really comes from the context the word is used. 

For example, Leviticus 19:3 tells us that we are to "fear our mother and father."   This doesn't mean to literally be frightened of them - it means to respect and revere them. 

Rabbi's often speak of the "fear of the Lord" but they always convey it in the most positive way possible.   They define it as awe and reverence for God that motivates us to do His will.   Further, they point out that fearing God because  of His potential punishment is an inferior understanding and one that is self centered.   It is self-centered in that it doesn't focus on God at all.  Rather it views God only thru the prism of our own interests and asks what will happen to us because God knows what we have done. 

From a rabbinical perspective, if you have the "fear of the Lord" you have an awe and reverence for God.   In having that, you have, what could be argued is a better kind of fear.   For example, think of someone who you look up to.  Someone that you greatly respect.   This could be your parents, grandparents, spouse, a close friend or relative or even your boss.   Think about how you feel if you ever do something that will disappoint them.   You see, when you love someone deeply, you honestly want their approval.   You don't want to disappoint them under any circumstances.   

How much more this should be true with God!   We should be filled with such an awe-filled love of God that it allows us to grow in intimate knowledge of Him.   That love will grow us and show us how to live while providing reassurance of God's power and guidance.   It will give us a high level of respect that keeps us from getting caught in sins that will destroy our relationships and lives.