It's an odd pairing, this idea of hope and fear arising when we encounter God. Yet it is a common pairing when dealing with God. Most of the time, when I'm afraid, hope takes a leave of absense. But when God appears, suddenly fear and hope are holding hands.
To get a better idea of why this is, look at the context of the psalm itself. It states explicitly that the things we normally trust in when fear arises- warriors, kings, war horses, etc- are useless to save us- but God's eyes are on those who fear Him. It also states that God considers everything we do.
Now, I've always looked at "fear God" as sort of Bible-speak for "respect/revere God," and I stand by that. But there is another element of "fear God" that is subtle in this psalm.
God is dangerous.
He is watching us, and He is stronger than our most powerful weapons. He is strong enough to save us from anything that comes against- weapons of war or famine included.
Have you ever been to a zoo, and locked eyes with a predator- like a lion or tiger? You are instantly drawn to them, wondering what it would be like to touch it, feel the fur over those giant muscles, be close enough to hear and feel the deep breaths they take. You are also instantly- and maybe only slightly- afraid. You fear what could happen if the big cat got loose.
Encounter God simultaneously makes you want to draw closer, and yet be careful. He is powerful enough to save or destroy- and He knows your heart, whether good or wicked. I want to know God more, and yet He is so awesome that it makes me nervous when I draw near to Him.
Godly fear raises hope. It's the great contradiction that brings life.
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