Why is the fear of the Lord essential in drawing nigh to God?

The sermon articulates that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and is critical when approaching God. In Exodus, we see a profound example where the people recognized God's holiness and their sinful state, standing afar off in fear of His judgement. This fear is not only a recognition of God's greatness but also serves as guidance for how we should come before Him—as humble, reverent sinners who acknowledge their need for mercy. It is this fear that positions the heart to genuinely cry out for God's grace, as seen in Psalm 34:18, 'The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.' Without this understanding, one risks approaching God presumptuously, which is contrary to a humble posture before the Holy One.