In Psalms 115 What Does It Mean To Fear The Lord And How Does That Relate To Receiving His Blessings?

Understanding the Fear of the Lord in Psalm 115

Psalm 115 provides profound insights into the nature of worship, idolatry, and the blessings that come from rightly revering God. The “fear of the Lord” is a recurring theme in Scripture, and this psalm connects it directly to the Lord’s favor and blessing. Let’s explore what it means to “fear the Lord” and how it relates to receiving His blessings according to Psalm 115 and the broader biblical context.

1. The Context of Psalm 115

The psalm opens by declaring that all glory belongs to God, not to man:

Not unto us, O Jehovah, not unto us, But unto thy name give glory, For thy lovingkindness, and for thy truth’s sake. - Psalm 115:1 ASV

It contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, then turns to exhort Israel, the house of Aaron, and “ye that fear Jehovah” to trust in the Lord (vv. 9–11). This sets the stage for the connection between fearing God and being blessed by Him.

2. What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?

In Psalm 115, “fear” is not terror or dread, but a reverent awe and deep respect for God’s holiness, power, and authority. It involves trusting Him above all else:

Ye that fear Jehovah, trust in Jehovah: He is their help and their shield. - Psalm 115:11 ASV

To “fear the Lord” is to recognize His greatness, submit to His will, and worship Him alone. It is the opposite of idolatry (vv. 4–8), where trust is misplaced in powerless objects. The “fear of the Lord” leads to faithful obedience and humble dependence on God.

3. The Blessing Connected to Fearing the Lord

Psalm 115 explicitly links fearing the Lord with receiving His blessings:

He will bless them that fear Jehovah, Both small and great. - Psalm 115:13 ASV

God’s blessing is not limited by status or position; it is available to "both small and great"—to anyone who reveres Him. The blessings described are both spiritual and material, including God’s ongoing favor and fruitfulness:

Jehovah increase you more and more, You and your children. - Psalm 115:14 ASV

The connection is clear: those who honor and trust in the Lord are promised His attentive care and blessing.

4. The Fear of the Lord in the Whole Bible

The theme of fearing God as the pathway to blessing is found throughout Scripture. Proverbs teaches:

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. - Proverbs 9:10 ASV

In the New Testament, reverence for God is fulfilled in Christ, who calls us to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23 ASV). The fear of the Lord continues to mean deep respect, trust, and obedience:

So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. - Philippians 2:12 ASV

Through faith in Jesus, believers receive every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3 ASV) and are called to live in awe of God’s grace.

5. Application: Trust, Worship, and Obedience

Fearing the Lord means turning from idols—anything we trust more than God—and placing our complete trust in Him. It leads to grateful worship, humble obedience, and a life marked by God’s blessing. The psalm encourages all God’s people, regardless of status, to trust, fear, and worship the Lord, knowing He is their “help and shield” (Psalm 115:9 ASV).

Summary

To fear the Lord in Psalm 115 is to stand in awe, trust, and reverence before the living God, rejecting all idols. This posture of heart is the channel through which God pours out His blessings, both now and for future generations. In Christ, we see the fullness of God’s blessing to all who trust and revere Him.

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