There are many passages in the Bible that talk about fearing God. For example:

The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:13)

The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. (Deuteronomy 6:24)

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. (Psalm 33:8)

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. (2 Corinthians 7:15)

And there are many more.

One time I had an atheist say to me, "What is up with all that 'fearing God' stuff? It just sounds to me like God is a power-loving narcissist that wants us all to be afraid of him. How can you believe that? What kind of loving God is that?"

I suppose this is one of those things that Christians understand, once they have received the Holy Spirit and are illuminated in a way that allows them to really see what the Bible is trying to tell them. I thought that way, too, back when I didn't believe in Him. I thought it was silly and stupid for humans to fear something that they don't have proof even exists.

But this fear goes hand and hand with faith. And it's not a "fear" as in "be afraid because God is very scary and mean." It's "fear Him, because He is in control over everything, and you should always think about what His reaction is to the things you do in life."

Let me put it another way. I know a lot of people who are not Christians. And they fear a lot of things: getting sick... losing more money in the stock market... having a loved one die... getting laid off...

Some Christians even fear other people and worry constantly about what others think, like their boss... their parents... their friends... their spouse.

To fear something or someone is to give that person or thing power over you. If you're worried that you're losing money left and right in this economy, then you're giving your thoughts, emotions, time, energy, worries, focus and conversations to this one thing -- money.

If you fear losing your job, then you're giving your thoughts, emotions, time, energy, worries, focus and conversations to THAT one thing -- your employer.

What God is trying to tell you is that you should fear nothing but Him, because He is in control. If you worry about those things, pray to Him. Talk to Him, and give all your fears up to Him. To me, this is one of the most important aspects of your relationship with God. Anytime you think that something or someone else has power over your life, you are denying God. There is absolutely truth in that old bumper sticker that says, "Let Go, Let God." It could also mean, "Fear God -- not other things. Give your worries to Him."

Also, fearing God brings discipline, responsibility and righteousness into our lives. One of my favorite Proverbs that describes fear says: The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 15:33) There IS judgment for your actions here on earth (and if you're not a believer of Christ, then there is punishment). If you fear that punishment and recognize the seriousness of God's judgment, you will think twice before doing something that you shouldn't. Fearing God, and understanding His power and authority keeps us on track and forces us to live right with Him.

Let's make an analogy out of this. Again, it goes back to the parent figure. Imagine if you had a son or daughter, mid-teens, who didn't fear you one iota. They had no apprehension whatsoever that you would inflict judgment or punishment. Is it possible that they could still respect you if they didn't fear you at all? Maybe. If that son or daughter is a good kid, then the relationship might work. But just like every human, your teenager is bound to do something wrong. Let's say they steal something. Or skip school. Or attend a forbidden party. Or drink and drive. Whatever. Would you feel the need to punish them? Why???? Punishment is needed for correction and understanding of a bad decision on their part, AS WELL AS to guide them and prevent them from doing it again in the future.

If your teen didn't get a punishment of any sorts, or if they didn't fear you and take it seriously, then chances are they'd probably do it again. What if it was the extreme in the opposite direction, though? What if you had a kid who completely did their own thing and rebelled against you? Who laughed at you, scoffed at you, and ignored you? Could you have a good relationship with that teen? Would you be able to guide them and teach them and prepare them for life ahead? I'm guessing probably not.

So, if you can, understand the fact that it's not as if God wants us to walk around, trembling at the fact that He is fearsome, requiring us to tiptoe around in life so not to upset Him. He is merely relaying His authority to us, and letting us know that above all, He reigns. Above all, He controls. We should not fear any earthly thing, because those things do not have power in our lives. Chances are, those earthly things like money, sickness, greed, hatred, etc. all come from Satan's rule here on earth -- and giving worry and fear to those things is giving worry and fear to Satan over God. Walk righteously and fear God. Meaning, do those things that are good and right here on earth, because one day you will face Him. One day, you will have to answer to all the things you've done on this earth. Sure, we all slip up now and then. But when you do, do you say you're sorry and ask for forgiveness? Do you recognize that God is watching?

Or do you live your life, fearing other things and worrying about earthly matters? When you slip up or do something wrong, do you instantly recognize that God would not be pleased? Do you apologize to your Father, and learn from your fear of Him?

Truly friends... what/who do you fear in life? If it's not God, then you've got to work on that relationship. Sounds like you're one of those rebellious, disobedient children who refuses to acknowledge the authority of your Father. If that's the case, I would start praying hard. Ask Him to help you learn to Let Go, and Let God.