The Fear of the Lord

Yesterday at a ladies' brunch at church, the speaker, Sylvia, spoke on fear; and during part of her talk, she contrasted a healthy fear of the Lord with unhealthy fear of other things. She read these verses:

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress,

and for his children it will be a refuge.

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

turning a man from the snares of death.

~ Proverbs 14:26-27 (NIV)

These verses came back to my mind last evening as we dealt with a snake on our property; and in the midst of my own fear, I saw terror in Josiah, David, and Tobin. I saw clearly the challenge to, even in the midst of such a frightful situation, point them to God, help them to fear (respect) Him, and find their security in His character. I need to learn to do this more and more, too; and I pray that as I grow in this, my sons will as well. My fear of the Lord can be a refuge for my children!

But I have a choice. Who will I fear? Either I fear the Lord, or I fear everything else.

In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence.

~ Proverbs 14:26a (KJV)