To fear is to respect...

Father, your creation declares your greatness and lovingkindness, encouraging statements of pure truth in our daily walk... Many people are intimidated by the phrase "fear of the Lord" contained in various translations of the Bible, but I'm not to be counted amongst those seeking a more "user-friendly" description of you and your almightiness. Many prefer the word "respect" rather than fear, and I understand that tendency, for to fear is to respect, and to respect to the highest degree is to fear. But ultimately, the reason we are to fear and/or respect is so that it will drive us to comprehend the magnitude of our foolish decisions to pursue our own wants and desires instead of our need to follow your will for our lives. For "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7) How many times have I tried to go-it-alone, only to fail miserably and fall flat on my face? More times than I'd like to admit, that's a fact. Help me Lord, to both respect your ways and to fear what will surely happen should I be tempted to abandon your beautiful plan for those obedient to your ways… Thank you, Jesus, for showing us that you are the way, the truth, and the life; THE answer for those committed to seeking the truth in all things!