October 23, 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). Fear of the LORD involves a holy awe and reverence that honors God because of His majesty, glory and power. It involves recognizing that sin has serious consequences as well as awareness that God promises to bless and protect all who fear Him. As a result, one finds himself secure and free of fear over anything else including death itself. And there is no greater inheritance available for his children than having   been raised up in the fear and admonition of the LORD. The example set by parents for their children, when good or bad, is of such profound importance that one cannot stress too emphatically the value of godly fear. It is the lack of such that is a root cause for the high incidence of divorce in America, leaving a multitude of children seeking a refuge in the storms of life in all the wrong places. Nothing is stated more frequently in the bible than “Fear not!” or “Do not be afraid!” in one form or another. Yet that is exactly what takes place for many children because their parents lack a reverent fear of the LORD which provides a secure refuge for the entire family.