Psalms of Summer : Psalm 112 (part 3)
The Fear That Builds a Legacy: What Psalm 112 Teaches Fathers About Lasting Impact
“The fear of the Lord doesn’t shrink a man—it builds his legacy.”
In today’s world, fear is often viewed as something to avoid. But in the Bible, “the fear of the Lord” is something entirely different. It’s not the fear of punishment, but the awe and reverence of a holy, sovereign, and trustworthy God. Psalm 112 gives us a blueprint for what happens when a man chooses to walk in holy fear—and the legacy that choice builds for generations to come.
1. The Fear of the Lord Is Not About Dread—It’s About Delight
“Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.” — Psalm 112:1
To fear the Lord doesn’t mean to be terrified of Him. It means being awake to His holiness, captivated by His majesty, and committed to His ways.
This kind of fear doesn’t create dread—it produces delight, trust, and obedience rooted in love, not performance.
Do you obey God to get something from Him?
Or do you obey because you want more of Him?
When obedience fades, grumbling grows. The Israelites didn’t fall in the wilderness because God failed them—they failed to delight in Him. Deuteronomy 28 tells us they served God without joy, which made them vulnerable. And Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10: their attitudes—not just their actions—cost them everything.
Holy fear gives us the power to endure what our flesh would flee. As 1 Peter 4:1 teaches, the one who suffers in the body is done with sin—not because they’re strong, but because they fear God more than they fear discomfort.
“If you don’t delight in the fact that your Father is holy, you don’t know God. You’re asleep to His character.” – R.C. Sproul
2. What You Fear Will Shape Your Family’s Future
“Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.” — Psalm 112:2
One of the most sobering truths of parenting is this:
What you fear will shape what your children pursue.
If you fear God, your life will reflect a posture of trust, peace, and obedience. That posture leaves an imprint. It creates a ripple effect in your household.
Consider Jonathan Edwards, an 18th-century preacher. His legacy wasn’t just spiritual—it was generational:
285 college graduates
100 lawyers
13 college presidents
60 doctors
30 judges
3 senators
1 U.S. vice president
One man’s reverence became a river of generational influence. Why? Because he feared the Lord and delighted in His commands.
3. The Blessing of Righteousness Is Bigger Than Money
“Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.” — Psalm 112:3
At first glance, this verse might seem like a promise of material wealth. But in Scripture, "riches" includes land, legacy, inheritance, and descendants. It's not just about finances—it's about favor.
When a man fears the Lord:
He opens his hands, instead of clinging to his possessions.
He uses wealth as a tool, not a trophy.
He blesses others because he knows blessing is for sharing.
“Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” — Psalm 34:9
Maybe the promise isn’t riches as the world defines them—but a life where we lack no good thing. Ask yourself:
Do you view success as a tool or a source of identity?
Are you hoarding what God gave you—or blessing others with it?
The Legacy of a Man Who Fears the Lord
Psalm 112 paints a countercultural picture:
The fear of the Lord doesn’t restrict you—it releases you.
It doesn’t make you small—it makes you stable.
It doesn’t just bless your life—it blesses generations after you.
Fathers, this is your invitation: Build more than a house. Build a legacy.
Not with bricks, but with reverence.
Not with fear of the world, but with fear of the Lord.
Not with anxiety—but with delight in His commands.
Final Thoughts
The fear of the Lord doesn’t shrink a man—it builds his legacy.
At Experience Church, we believe God is raising up men who live with holy reverence—men whose lives will echo long after they’re gone.
Let that be you.