Psalms of Summer : Psalm 112 (part 6)
Light in the Darkness: Why the Fear of the Lord Is the Key to a Life of Stability, Wisdom, and Hope
“The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” — Isaiah 33:6
In a time where fear is often viewed as weakness and reverence feels outdated, Psalm 112 gives us a powerful and countercultural truth: the blessings of God flow from holy fear.
The fear of the Lord isn’t terror—it’s treasure.
It isn’t about shrinking back—it’s about standing firm.
It isn’t about religion—it’s about relationship.
Let’s take a deeper look at Psalm 112:4-6 and discover how the fear of the Lord brings light in dark places, unshakable hope, and a new way to walk through suffering.
1. What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” – Proverbs 9:10
Fearing God is not about being afraid of Him—it’s about being in awe of Him.
It’s about recognizing His holiness, surrendering to His ways, and walking in loving obedience. It’s the kind of reverence that causes you to delight in His will, even when life feels upside down.
Isaiah 33:6 puts it this way:
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
If you’ve been searching for stability, wisdom, understanding, and peace—the fear of the Lord isn’t the thing to avoid. It’s the key to unlock what your soul desperately needs.
2. The Promises for Those Who Fear the Lord (Psalm 112:4–6)
“Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.”
Let’s break down these promises for those who fear the Lord:
Light in the darkness – God shines His hope in our hopelessness.
Gracious, merciful, righteous – The fear of the Lord shapes your character.
Generous and just – You become a conduit of blessing.
Unshakable – You will not be moved when the world shakes.
Eternal impact – Your life will be remembered not for what you had, but for who you were in Him.
3. What Do You Do When You Can’t See the Light?
Let’s be real.
Maybe you’re in a season of darkness and wondering, “Where is God?”
That was me.
When my son Makai had his first blood withdrawal appointment, I was overwhelmed. I was angry. I wanted to scream in the hospital, “Where are You, God?!”
I was trembling, broken, scared, and silent—but God wasn’t.
He didn’t abandon us in that moment. He didn’t run from our pain. In fact, He drew near.
Like Joseph betrayed by his brothers. Like Daniel in the lion’s den. God brought light to their darkest places—and He brought light to mine.
What changed? I didn’t just hear about the Father. I met the Father. And my fear of sickness started to fade. My fear of what-ifs started to fade. Because something deeper started to grow…
A holy fear of the Lord.
A deeper love for His heart.
4. Why the Church Needs to Recover the Fear of the Lord
Let’s ask a hard question:
If the world doesn’t fear God… could it be because the church has lost its fear too?
Too many churches have traded holy fear for spiritual comfort. But God is calling His people to more.
He’s restoring holy reverence to His house. He’s rebuilding a church that’s not just about good messages, but real transformation. A place where the broken are welcomed, the righteous stand firm, and the light shines in darkness.
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” — Matthew 16:18
This is the kind of church God is building. A Psalm 112 church. A church that fears the Lord, loves the lost, and walks with boldness in a dark world.
5. Look at What God Is Doing in the Next Generation
Look around.
Despite what culture says, God is redeeming Generation Z and Generation Alpha before our eyes. Teenagers are awakening to their calling. Kids are learning to pray with fire. Families are coming back to the heart of God.
Why?
Because light is dawning, even in the darkness.
Because the fear of the Lord is returning, and with it, wisdom, worship, and revival.
Final Word
If you’re in the dark today—don’t run from God. Run toward Him.
The fear of the Lord is not what pushes you away. It’s what pulls you into His presence.
It’s the beginning of wisdom.
It’s the key to His treasure.
It’s the foundation you can build your life on.
Let this truth settle in your soul:
“The righteous will never be moved.”
Even when the hospital calls.
Even when the bills stack up.
Even when you feel unseen.
Because light still dawns.
And the fear of the Lord still works.