Proverbs 12:27-28 - The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

The bible reading from Proverbs speaks about the fear of the Lord and the way of righteousness. It says that the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life that helps one turn away from death. There is life in the way of righteousness, not death. The context passage from Isaiah speaks of fearing God rather than fearing man. Though we may walk through dark valleys, God tells us not to fear evil. We can have courage because God is with us. He will come to save us. The passage from Proverbs 29 also talks about fear - the fear of man versus trusting in God. Fearing people brings a snare, but trusting in God brings safety. We should seek to please and honor God rather than be enslaved to what others think.

Fear can be a crippling force in our lives. Fear of death, fear of man, fear of the future. But the bible reminds us that the fear of the Lord drives out all other fears. When we stand in awe of who God is, trusting His goodness and sovereignty, we find freedom from the fear that entangles. As we walk in the way of righteousness, we can have confidence that God is with us, leading us in the way of life. Even when we go through dark valleys, we need not fear evil because God is there as our protector and deliverer. May we honor God above all else, not enslaved to human opinion. When we reverence God, we find life and hope.

Lord, forgive me when I allow fear to control me instead of trusting You. You are so much greater and more powerful than anything I could fear. Give me the courage to honor You above all else, to walk in righteousness instead of giving in to sin and temptation. Thank You for promising to always be with me, guiding me in Your good way. Even in the darkest valleys, I know You are there as my refuge. I praise You for the gift of life in Christ! Amen.