Having Strong Confidence
(Pb. 14:26)
Mike Johnson
Christians are to fear (have reverence and respect for) God. Those who genuinely fear God see the importance of obeying His commandments. Ecclesiastes 12:13 tells us we are to “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Also, if we fear God, we will hate every false way (Ps. 119:104), and we will seek instruction in wisdom (Pb. 15:33). Further, the Bible says those who fear God can have “strong confidence. Proverbs 14:26 says, “In fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” If people genuinely fear God, they can have strong confidence. Consider some areas in which those who fear God can enjoy strong confidence.
Physical Needs – Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” “These things” in the context pertain to the physical necessities of life. Thus, Christians, i.e., those who fear God, can have confidence concerning their physical needs.
Mistreatment by Others – Christians, according to the Bible, do not need to fear other people. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'” Matthew 10:28 says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” If one fears God, no need exists to fear man. The worst people can do is to kill the body, but they cannot harm the soul. We can genuinely have strong confidence in this area.
Death – Another area those who fear God can have strong confidence, is in the realm of our death. The faithful Christian, the one who fears God, knows death is not the end of one’s existence, and eternal life follows. In Psalm 23:8, David said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” In Philippians 1:21, Paul said if he lived longer, it would be Christ, i.e., he would continue to serve him, but if he died, it would be gain. Later, as he approached the end of his life, he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Those who fear God can certainly approach death with confidence.
Many benefits exist in this life, and especially the life to come, when we fear God.