"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10
I have a fear...a fear of dogs. Any kind of dog; large, small, sweet, vicious. It really doesn't matter, all will set my sweat glands on high alert.
I don't know when this fear first started. When I was really young, we had a family friend who owned a German Shepard. They always had me pose in pictures with him like we were best friends or something. I was too shy to speak up and say I didn't want to or even a simple "no thank you". I held my breath and smiled the best I could just to get it over with.
When I was nine years old our family got a puppy. One morning Sonya and I thought we would take him on a walk. As we made our way down the street from our house we happened upon a gang of dogs that suddenly became interested in meeting our pup. It really scared me and I wanted to turn and run, but Sonya being a brave child, grabbed our puppy and swatted at the big Red Irish Setter nearest her, defending our puppy. He snapped catching her on the wrist. We made it safely home and Sonya lived, but my fear gained momentum. Over the years it has gotten no better. Sometimes my fear has grown even stronger.
Since becoming an adult I have walked and ran many a mile on these country roads. Sonya always by my side. We have had many a face off with some dogs. I've been growled at. Snapped at. Jumped on. Chased after. Never would I go out alone! It is a 'dog's world' out on these country roads. (No leash law and all!)
I've been told that the dog senses my nerves. I've tried really hard to put on a brave face but it never fails, they smell my fear and seek me out. I remember one time Dana and I were sitting in a Mexico airport waiting for our flight, when some guards came walking through with dobermon (sniffing dogs) on leashes. I immediately went into panic mode. Dana, knowing my troubles with these four legged creatures talked me through it, but wouldn't you know as they passed by us one of the dogs walked right over to me and put his paws on my lap. I froze!!!
I am so grateful that God commands us to have "fear of the Lord" but this fear is by no means a panic, sweaty palm, shaking in our boots, turn and run kind of fear.
"Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble." (Prov. 15:16).
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Prov. 1:7).
Let's work on our fear of the Lord by embracing His Word and gaining wisdom only through His instruction. He will walk us through it. No leash required!
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, thank you for drawing us close and teaching us. Give us a heart of courage. May we gain wisdom in knowing You more. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Amen.