Sept 18, 2016 (Proverbs 14:26)

“He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge” (Prov 14:26). A godly fear of the Lord has been described as both a choice and a gift of God imparted by His Spirit. It is a choice in the sense of involving a decision to respond to the will of God as revealed in His Word and to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is only as we develop a holy fear of offending God that we find ourselves delivered from fear of man, fear of danger, and demonic fears. For godly fear of the Lord implies regarding God with holy awe and reverence, causing one to place his faith and trust in God alone. In fearing the authority of God as the Creator of all things, and One who judges all things, a person is submitting himself or herself to Him who promises to bless and honor all those who fear Him: “Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life” (Prov 22:4). So it is fear of the Lord is accompanied by assurance and unspeakable spiritual comfort, knowing there is promise of God’s presence, favor and protection which means no need to fear anything else. And children who are fortunate enough to be raised in a family where such reverence for God exists will be blessed with an inheritance which far exceeds any material advantages which can be purchased with gold or silver.