Having the Fear of God

But I through the abundance of Thy steadfast love will enter Thy house, I will worship toward Thy holy temple in the fear of Thee.

Psalm 5:7 (RSV)

The Bible gives us many warnings about what awaits the wicked and those who willfully turn away from God. It also gives guidelines to follow if we want to live according to God's precepts to please Him. In this psalm, David, in his prayer against the wicked whom he considers his enemies, exposes God's feelings towards them and the way He treats them because of their wickedness.

At the same time, David praises the joy of those who trust in the Lord with all their heart. He says of himself that it is by the great mercy of God that he goes to His holy temple to bow down before Him in fear. David does not say that his action comes from him directly, but from God who, by His mercy, allowed him to make such a decision. This is why in the following verse, he asks God to lead him in His justice because of his enemies.

David acknowledges and admits that it is by the grace of God that he serves Him, it is not by personal decision. This helps us to understand that man is evil by nature, no one is good. It is God who, out of love for us and compassion, has called us to serve Him with fear and reverence. Since your salvation is a gift from God, flee therefore from those who do evil in His sight. Enter into His presence, into His holy temple with fear to worship Him with all your heart.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.