Something deep within many in the Body of Christ says, "The FEAR of God is all an illusion." "Surely, behind the curtain over there, there must be a cute little man pulling levers to make all the smoke and flames." Some might even say, "If we really knew Him, we'd see that God is just a gentle old man sitting on His throne, who means well, but is really harmless."
Who really is the object of our prayer, praise, and worship? Do we know the revealed God of Scripture, or do we believe in a God who is like the Wizard of Oz? We must realize how effective the enemy is at lying and misrepresenting the true nature of God to us, and repent of any false views we may have of our heavenly Father. Otherwise our knowledge of God will remain flawed.
Will we truly fear God? The Father will teach us if we want to learn.
Psalms 34:11 ESV Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psalms 89:6-8 ESV For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD, (7) a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? (8) O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?
Psalms 76:7 ESV But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused?