Father's Fear

    ^2(C)Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
         Incline your heart to understanding;
    ³For if you cry for discernment,
         Lift your voice for understanding;
    ⁴If you seek her as ^(D)silver
         And search for her as for ^(E)hidden treasures;
    ⁵Then you will discern the^(F)fear of the LORD
         And discover the knowledge of God.
    ⁶For ^(G)the LORD gives wisdom;
         From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 

Proverbs 2:2-6


There's always that question about fear, is fear the absence of faith?  Is it because of my lack of faith the reason why I'm afraid?  We know that fear reveals what we put our confidence in.  When we fully trust Jesus then we don't fear because He's going to deliver us, just like Daniel in the lion's den and in the fire.  He wasn't afraid because he knew God was with him.  It didn't mean that they wouldn't go through pain.  Daniel knew that quite well when he proclaimed he will still bow down to God whether or not he's rescued from the fire.  I believe it's okay to be scared or not wanting to endure something but it's an ungodly fear when we respond disobediently because of it.  


This scripture is so timely because we just discussed Mark 6 last night about fear.  Verse 5 really spoke to me, about being able to discern the fear of the Lord.  There's different fears out there but the one God wants us to experience is fear of God.  This isn't a fear that will terrorize us and keep us from doing God's will, it's the False Evidence Appearing Real fear that comes from lack of faith.  This one originates from the devil and is based on lies, deceit and temptations.  We need to discern between the two types and this passage explains how: listen, ask, see; and then we'll be granted this amazing discernment and knowledge of God.


Also, last night an opportunity came up where I knew God was speaking through me.  A question came up about something supernatural happening (things moving around on its own) and was that a sign of God or something else.  God relayed a message through me that I didn't even expect.  His message was about taking anything and redeeming it for God.  Whether or not it was God who moved the door, it was by His approval and even if the devil meant it for evil God will use everything for His good.  So my message relayed was simple, don't be concerned about the door but the opportunity to pray, love and reach out to whomever God's Spirit leads.


Father God, thank You for directing our paths no matter how confusing this world may be.  You are always there, always giving us reasons not to be afraid or anxious about anything.  Help me and the rest of Your children be released of worldly fear and concentrate on the fear that is reverent to You, my King.  This fear, like a father's love, isn't about punishment but out of respect knowing that he's right and I'm just being disciplined... love is never questioned, just like with You my Father.  In the most precious of names I pray Christ Jesus, Amen!