What does the fear of the Lord mean in Psalm 130?

In Psalm 130, the fear of the Lord is contextualized by the understanding of His forgiveness. The psalm states, 'but there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared.' This fear is not one of terror or dread; rather, it signifies a reverent awe of God's holy character and His work of redemption. True fear of the Lord involves recognizing the depth of our sinfulness and the greatness of His forgiveness. Those who have experienced His grace understand that this fear comes from being in a relationship with a God who justifies the ungodly. As believers grasp the enormity of what it means to be forgiven, their hearts are moved to worship and honor Him appropriately, acknowledging His infinite mercy and justice.