...About Jumping into Niagra Falls

So, I had to go to Rochester for a couple of days last week for work. You might think I'm crazy, but I was bored one night and discovered that Niagra Falls was only 65 miles away so I grabbed some Tim Horton's coffee, jumped in my rental car, and off I went. I hadn't been there since I was a kid and it was overwhelming to see again. It was dark by that time (like 8pm) which made it all the more intimidating. The power of the water and the force with which it moved was awesome and terrifying.

I ended up walking over this pedestrian bridge that goes over the "river" portion leading up to the falls. The raging waters beneath were flowing with such force that several full length tree trunks were being carried by the water like twigs. Clearly the force of the current ripped those trees out from the ground - roots and all. So, as I was standing on this bridge... alone... at night... I thought, "what would happen if I became careless, slipped, and fell over this ledge and into that water?" It would consume me and I'd have no chance of survival under the power of it. But, even in the midst of experiencing that fear, I remained astounded at the power of the water. I still wanted to get a closer look at it, but I approached the edge of the bridge with such respect. One thing was for sure - I wanted my relationship with the edge of that bridge to be right at all times. I wanted to know where the edge was. I wouldn't disrespect the edge in any way. I was always aware of it. If I hadn't recognized the power and force of that water, I would have been prone to just falling in.

As I was driving back to the hotel, I couldn't help but think of what I had just experienced and how it reminded me of what it means to fear the Lord. The fear I experienced on that bridge wasn't the terror that comes when you think something is trying to harm you - it was a recognition of the power of the current that flowed underneath me. I mean, it's not a perfect analogy, but to recognize that power while appreciating it and wanting to have a right relationship with it at all times was an awesome revelation. That's why I respected the edge. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111:10) - to recognize His awesome power is where it all begins. It brings fear and respect, but also brings understanding of His power - not the power to harm (though He can and His wrath is nothing to mess around with), but also the power of His love, goodness, compassion, and on and on. Understanding that character warrants such gratitude and love in return, doesn't it? Greater still, we can approach this Power with boldness because of who He says we are...who He's made us: HIS. What great reason to worship!