Call to Worship
In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence,
and his children will have a refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death.
(Proverbs 14:26-27 ESV)
It seems counter intuitive to say "In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence." After all fear brings anxiety, worry, panic or even terror. Fear can be paralyzing, but bring confidence? The fear of the Lord is not simply a quaking, panic or dread of God. It is short hand for a correct understanding and reverence of the majesty, self-sufficiency, glory, sovereignty and might of the Eternal Creator and Sustainer of all that is.
This correct understanding and reverence has different applications for different people. If someone is actively rebelling and resisting God's grace this understanding should lead to anxiety, worry and terror. After all it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
However, if you are in Christ, forgiven of your rebellion, and welcomed as a part of God's family, the correct understanding of the power and sovereignty of God brings confidence for God is a refuge that cannot be breached by any enemy not even the snares of the death.
God is calling you fear and worship Him this morning. He is inviting all his children to drink deep of the fountain of life and find refuge in his arms. And He is inviting all of those who are not part of his family to come find refuge in Jesus Christ.