But make no mistake; there still is a certain fear in the fear of the Lord. Notice, for example, what people do when they know they are in the presence of God. Job said, "I am unworthy - how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth." (Job 40:4). "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:5).
Isaiah cried out, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty" (Isa. 6:5). Ezekiel fell facedown (Ezek. 1:8). The disciples, after witnessing that Jesus was also the Creator God who could calm the sea with a word, were terrified: "Why is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (Mark 4:41).
Lest we think that such behaviour is spiritually primitive, unable to comprehend the grace of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ, consider the apostle John. If anyone knew the love of God, he did. He even wrote, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18). But when he was unexpectedly ushered into heaven's throne room, he sounded just life Isaiah: "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead" (Rev 1:17).
Each of these men knew the love of God, and each one was shown it in these encounters. Those who were mute spoke. Those who were on the ground and near dead arose and were sent on missions by the King. God said to them, "Do not be afraid" (Rev 1:17). But they all understood that one of the proper postures in the presence of God is to be bowed low, very low.
C.S. Lewis teaches about the fear of the Lord through the lion Aslan, who was good but not tame. The apostle Paul says, "Consider both the kindness and sternness of God" (Rom 11:22). He is both our Father and our Lord; he is not to be trifled with.
- Ed Welch, Running Scared: Fear, Worry & the God of Rest, p. 193