The psalmist writes in Psalm 2:10-11: Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. To a Christian, fearing and rejoicing seem to be an odd couple. Paul writes in Philippians 2:12 to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Ordinarily, we associate trembling with fear, of being frightened. There is no doubt that God wants us to fear Him. The fear of God is a quality that we must learn, indicating that we do not have this characteristic in us by nature. The fear of God, then, is different from the fears we normally have in life. Thus, it must be learned. Fear is a powerful motivator. Why, then, does a loving God want us to fear Him? He reminds us in Isaiah 55:8-9 that He does not think like a man. Yes, He wants us to love Him, but even in that love the sense of fear should always be present. Recall that Psalm 2:11 commands, Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Ordinarily, we associate trembling with fear, of being frightened. What is there to fear and tremble about in taking salvation to its conclusion? Christianity has not replaced the fear of God with the love of God, as many wrongly believe. Instead, the two work hand in hand. Mark 4:37-41 provides insight as to how the proper fear of God is nurtured within our relationship with Him. So obvious is it that there is a Creator God to whom reverential awe should be given that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20). How much more should we fear Him who has called us to complete His purpose in us? His children are those who are learning and growing in these qualities through their relationship with Him. If we are learning and growing, we should have an intense desire never to sin again so that we will be like Him. This intense desire has godly fear at its foundation, a fear that is a mixture of the entire span of terms used to describe fear: from mild apprehension even to outright terror at times. Such a one, under no circumstance, ever wants to see this relationship destroyed and lost because he has done something to bring dishonor to Him. Thus, the fear of God produces a strong and steady sense of obligation combined with an intense, humble appreciation and gratitude that One so great is paying attention to one so undeserving.