In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.—Proverbs 14:26
The fear...respect, reverence, piety...of the Lord produces a strong confidence. Looking at that from a worldly perspective seems a bit paradoxical because fear, in the worldly sense, causes a lack of confidence. The Bible tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. John also reminds us that there is no fear in love. Perfect love, the apostle tells us, casts out fear because fear involves torment and that he who fears has not been made perfect in love. Beloved, God has given us Himself and He is our confidence not our dread. His perfect love poured out in our hearts cast out fear and the knowledge of Him in all His holiness and perfection increases our confidence so that our path shines ever brighter unto that perfect day.
I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done. He commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
My soul waits for the LORD; He is my help and my shield. For my heart shall rejoice in Him, because I have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon me, just as I hope in You. The eternal God is my refuge,
And underneath are His everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before me and will say, destroy!
You, Father, in the time of trouble, shall hide me in Your pavilion; in the secret place of Your tabernacle, You shall hide me; You shall set me high upon a rock. God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, I will not fear.
24 Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.
25 For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised;
He is also to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.
27 Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and gladness are in His place.
28 Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Give to the LORD glory and strength.
29 Give to the LORD the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!—1 Chronicles 16:24-29
Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city.
