7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turned the rock into a pool,
the hard rock into springs of water.
Each year about this time, I am reminded of my "moment in time" by which all other moments are marked. That moment where I was forced to reconcile the true value of life with the human tendency to take it for granted. For years after my life changing event, I lived in fear of a god that would allow such horrific things to happen to such committed people that were willing to serve Him completely. This fear was not a healthy fear but a true dread and abject terror of losing my life and not meeting the standard.
Over time, a very patient God has revealed himself to me - time and time again - to assure me that though he has all power and authority, He also has all grace and compassion. I have learned that though I may not understand His ways, His ways are always perfect and never without purpose.
It has taken me many years to convert my unhealthy, paralyzing fear to a much more productive "fear". A productive fear is a fear that consists of reverence and obedience. The scriptures remind us that productive fear is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.."
I never thought I would get to this point; but, I can truly say that I am now thankful for that "moment in time". It has shaped who I am today and has forced me to search for a deeper understanding of my own spirituality.
