“In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:26, 27)
These verses struck me because sometimes I am afraid of God because I do not trust Him, that He is good. This fear generates more worry than confidence. Yet, this proverb says that in the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence. I do not think, however, that this kind of confidence is akin to bravado. It is not confidence oneself, but confidence in God Himself, even in the midst of the most fiery trials.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I suffer from the same malady Seth. I often find myself not trsuting that God wants good things for me. And then I worry.
Uncle David
Congratulations first on your graduation.
I think it is a gradual thing to know God’s unconditional, undeserved, and ‘complete’ love for us. Acknowledging Him (fearing him) is where/when an understanding of God’s love starts. I’m beginning to think too, that once it really sinks in (God’s love that is) it leads to unspeackable wonder and joy and a freedom and desire to express it. I am not there yet myself.
Woody
Uncle Woody (and anybody else), I am interested in knowing for my own edification in what ways you have learned to acknowledge God. What practical implications do these have?
Seth