Psalms of Summer : Psalm 112 (part 4)

A Fear That Delights: How Awe of God Unlocks a Life of Blessing

Psalm 112:1–3 and the quiet revolution of reverent joy

In a world where “fear” is usually something we run from, the Bible invites us to run toward it—specifically, the fear of the Lord.

It’s not the fear that paralyzes, but the kind that awakens. Not a dread that drives us away, but a holy awe that draws us in.

“Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.”
— Psalm 112:1

This ancient line reveals a surprising truth: true blessing begins with fear.
Not just any fear, but a fear wrapped in delight.

Let’s unpack what that means for our lives today—our homes, our children, our peace, and even our sense of what “wealth” really is.

1. Delight Isn’t the Opposite of Fear—It’s What Grows From It

The Hebrew word for “fear” in Psalm 112 isn’t about horror or panic. It’s yir’ah—a trembling reverence in the presence of something holy.

Charles Spurgeon called it “tender reverence,” and he was right. This kind of fear doesn’t crush your joy—it creates it.

It turns Bible reading from duty into delight. It turns obedience into worship.
It teaches us to seek God’s face, not just His hand.

When we fear God rightly, we stop fearing everything else.

2. Your Awe Today Is Your Children’s Legacy Tomorrow

“Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”
— Psalm 112:2

Fear of the Lord doesn’t stay in our prayer closets.
It flows out into our living rooms, dinner tables, and bedtimes.

The way we respond to God—our joy, our reverence, our surrender—shapes the spiritual soil our children grow in.

When parents take God seriously, their kids don’t forget it.
When families delight in God’s Word, generations are changed.

So here’s a question:
Are we building homes where Jesus is celebrated, or homes where He’s simply tolerated?

Start small. Tell your kids one story about how God came through for you.
Pray one extra time this week, out loud, just to show them what trust looks like.

Because your joy in God today could become their bold testimony tomorrow.

3. Wealth Isn’t What You Think It Is

“Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.”
— Psalm 112:3

We hear “wealth” and think money.
God hears “wealth” and thinks presence, peace, and righteousness.

True riches aren’t just paychecks and possessions.
They’re the deep assurance that God is with you, providing, sustaining, and never leaving.

“The great mercy of my life has been that I have found heaven is God Himself.”
— Jonathan Edwards

Yes, God meets needs. He’s faithful to provide.
But even more, He offers something that can’t be shaken: a right standing before Him that lasts forever.

That’s what Psalm 112 means by “righteousness that endures.”

Real Takeaway: Fear of the Lord Is the Gateway to Everything We Long For

This isn’t about religious performance or guilt-driven obedience.

It’s about discovering that delighting in God is the most human, joy-filled, powerful thing you can do.

It blesses your home.
It empowers your children.
It changes how you measure success.
It anchors your soul in a world full of headlines and chaos.