“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe… The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” – Proverbs 29:25; 14:27
Scripture readings: Proverbs 29:25; 14:27; Mark 4:35-41
Violent waves crashed over the boat, swamping it. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep. The disciples screamed, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38b). Jesus said, “Peace! Be still!” The storm stopped. Yet they were more afraid, not less. “They were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’” (Mark 4:41). The fear of the LORD replaced their fear of the storm.
The fear of the LORD overcomes the fear of man. “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27). The fear of the LORD is deep, trembling reverence. You do not make light of this God! The fear of the LORD is awe, trust and love. He is Almighty God. He is also our Faithful Father in Christ. “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
Oh how I fear Thee, living God, with deepest, tenderest fears;
And worship Thee with trembling hope and penitential tears.
Yet I may love Thee too, O Lord, Almighty as Thou art;
For Thou hast stooped to ask of me the love of my poor heart.
No earthly father loves like Thee, no mother, half so mild,
Bears and forbears as Thou hast done with me, Thy sinful child. *
*My God, How Wonderful Thou Art, 2-4. Frederick W. Faber.
Suggestions for prayer
Read or sing the words of “My God, How Wonderful Thou Art” as your prayer today.
Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
