August 7

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. — Isa 33:6 BSB

"The fear of the Lord is his treasure." And what a treasure it is! In ancient times, treasure was often hidden, concealed from view, and guarded from thieves. In the same way, the fear of the Lord is hidden deep in the heart and stored away in the soul; it is not displayed outwardly for all to see, but rather it lies buried in a man's conscience. Though it may be hidden from others, and even from ourselves at times, this "fear of the Lord" reveals itself when the circumstances call for it.

There are moments when we may feel spiritually hardened, as if our conscience has become dull. Sin seems to have such power over us, and evil thoughts and desires carry us away so strongly that we can't see even a trace of godly fear in our hearts. The soul cries out, "What is happening to me? Where am I headed? What will come of such a wretch as I feel myself to be?"

But when placed in certain circumstances, like Joseph in Egypt, we find that "the fear of the Lord" is a fountain of life within us, a holy principle that springs up in our soul. This fear, part of the heavenly treasure, acts when it is most needed. The more we feel the life of God in our souls, the more this godly fear flows out, helping us to avoid the snares of death. The more alive God's grace is in the soul, the more active godly fear becomes in the heart; and the more the Spirit of God works powerfully in the conscience, the deeper this fear of God grows within us.