The Joy of Fearing God [Paperback]

Jerry Bridges (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 20, 1999

What Kind of Relationship Can You Have with Someone You Fear?
For most of us, fear is something we try to avoid. And fearing God hardly sounds like an occasion for joy. But Jerry Bridges shows how the fear of the Lord is actually the key that opens the door to a life of true knowledge, wisdom, blessing, and joy.

We all want a deeper, more intimate relationship with God–one that’s characterized by joy. But how does fearing God lead to joy? After all, aren’t we supposed to love Him and live in intimate relationship with Him? Jerry Bridges explores this paradox as he unpacks the biblical promise that God delights in those who fear Him. Join him as he unveils the awesome greatness of God–His incredible holiness, deep wisdom, and especially His inspiring love. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of who God is that will draw you into a truly biblical, and surprisingly delightful, fear of God–a fear that includes your own genuine, heartfelt delight in God.

You’ll make the startling discovery that the fear of the Lord, far from being something to avoid, is the key to joyful, fulfilling, and genuine intimacy with God. It can change your relationship with God and change your life! Discover the surprising Joy of Fearing God!

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

What Kind of Relationship Can You Have with Someone You Fear?
For most of us, fear is something we try to avoid. And fearing God hardly sounds like an occasion for joy. But Jerry Bridges shows how the fear of the Lord is actually the key that opens the door to a life of true knowledge, wisdom, blessing, and joy.

We all want a deeper, more intimate relationship with God–one that's characterized by joy. But how does fearing God lead to joy? After all, aren't we supposed to love Him and live in intimate relationship with Him? Jerry Bridges explores this paradox as he unpacks the biblical promise that God delights in those who fear Him. Join him as he unveils the awesome greatness of God–His incredible holiness, deep wisdom, and especially His inspiring love. You'll gain a deeper understanding of who God is that will draw you into a truly biblical, and surprisingly delightful, fear of God–a fear that includes your own genuine, heartfelt delight in God.

You'll make the startling discovery that the fear of the Lord, far from being something to avoid, is the key to joyful, fulfilling, and genuine intimacy with God. It can change your relationship with God and change your life! Discover the surprising Joy of Fearing God!

About the Author

Jerry Bridges, former vice president for corporate affairs of the Navigators, is currently a sought-after conference speaker in a national Bible-teaching ministry. He is the author of six books, including I Exalt You, O God and The Pursuit of Holiness which has sold over one million copies. Jerry and his wife, Jane, live in Colorado.


From the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (April 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578562546
• ISBN-13: 978-1578562541
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #362,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jerry Bridges is a longtime staff member of the Navigators and currently serves with their collegiate ministry. In addition to his international speaking ministry, he has authored ten books and three devotionals; among them The Pursuit of Holiness, which has sold well over a million copies, and the award-winning The Discipline of Grace and I Will Follow You, O God.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book you MUST read to know God more deeply., September 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Joy of Fearing God: The Fear of the Lord is a Life-Giving Fountain (Hardcover)

"The Joy of Fearing God" is a great book to understand how we should have the proper relationship with God. It started by talking theological doctrine that sounded very biblical based. Then, the author gave us some practical ways to exercise the knowledge we learn through the book. I had some dry time spiritually before I started reading this book. However, I forced myself to read this book to know what "the fear of God" really means. By reading through this book, God spoke to me and strengthened my faith. God prepared me to go through some huge trial happened recently in my life by using this book. If you have some doubt about God's love or God's goodness, read this book before you back off. However, it's very clear and understandable even for someone who doesn't like reading. Even English is my second language, it effected me so strongly. I especially recommend this book to Youth and College students. Also, it's great for parents. I have some disagreement with the author about the authority of employer and government, yet it doesn't change the value of this book. Please read it prayerfully and start having the Joy of fearing God! By J.I.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thriller for the christian, June 9, 2003

By 

a concerned reader (Northern Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Joy of Fearing God (Paperback)

The beauty of this book is that it is so down to earth about matters that are so lofty and beyong human understanding. Bridges writes in an easily digestible manner. Relating the fear of God through scriptures and short stories and even points to some helpful devotional-like activities to help worship this fear-inspiring God. This book does not address the issue of fear of God's wrath because the book makes it quite clear this is not a "godly" fear of God. Bridges gets the reader in touch with a sovereign, loving, merciful, immeasurably immense God whom we should trust, love and fear because of his soveriegnty, love, mercy, and immensity... NOT because of his wrath.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, June 3, 2006

By 

blbooks "Becky" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joy of Fearing God, The (Paperback)

THE JOY OF FEARING GOD by Jerry Bridges is an excellent book on an often over-looked topic in modern Christianity. In the first chapter he states his premise clearly: "There was a time when committed Christians were known as God-fearing people. This was a badge of honor. But somewhere along the way we lost it. Now the idea of fearing God, if thought of at all, seems like a relic from the past. That's to our detriment. The fear of God is actually as relevant today as it was in bygone generations" (1). In the remaining fourteen chapters he defines, describes, and illustrates what it means for Christians to individually and corporately to fear God in their lives. Chapter titles include "Beyond Measure, Beyond Compare" describing God's greatness, "Transcendent Majesty" describing God's holiness, "He Is Lord" describing God's sovereignty, and "He Is Worthy" describing how essential the fear of the Lord is in our worship.