Fear of the Lord

One of the most misunderstood concepts in the Bible is the “fear of the Lord.” Fear is a word with a negative connotation.  We condemn anyone or anything that causes fear; we react from a place of fear; we take medications to calm fear and anxiety.  But the Bible lists promises for those who fear God.  Is there a disconnect? Isn’t God supposed to be loving? Why are we asked to practice “the fear of the Lord?”