“Whoever fears the Lord…” (Proverbs 14:26-27, NIV)

Do you remember a TV show called “Fear Factor” in the early 2000s? The premise of the show was simple yet intense. The contestants were forced to confront their deepest fears for a chance to win a cash prize. Whether they were strapped to the outside of a speeding helicopter, locked in a box with spiders, or forced to eat stomach-churning concoctions, the goal was the same. They either surrender to fear or overcome it and win it all. The kind of fear engineered by Fear Factor is what we experience in everyday life when we face the unknown, financial ruin, sickness, or failure. This earthly fear is toxic, paralyzing, and steals our peace. However, there is another kind of fear factor that is good, and it leads us to security, peace, sanctuary, and an abundant life. Today’s reading says,

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”

At first, pairing the word “fear” with words like “fortress,” “refuge,” and “fountain of life” feels contradictory, doesn’t it? Why would something scary give us a sense of security? The answer lies in who we are afraid of. God isn’t some cruel and distant tyrant who wants to judge and punish us for wrongdoing. Rather, He is good, loving, just, faithful, holy, and sovereign. His character is described as loving, merciful, and gracious. He is compassionate toward us, who are sinners and are but dust that is here today and gone tomorrow. Therefore, “whoever fears the Lord” will find favor with Him and receive His compassion, mercy, and grace, unlike those who rebel against Him and turn their backs on Him. He is our Creator, who deserves to be honored, worshiped, and feared.

To the wicked, fear of God is about judgment, punishment, and eternity in hell. To the righteous, it is about throwing oneself into the arms of the loving Father. It is about being humble before this awesome God. Jesus reminds us, “And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Mt.23:12). James 4:6 says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Again, James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” While the world’s fears leave us feeling exposed, vulnerable, and unsure, when we fear God, He will be a secure fortress around us, providing refuge and a fountain of life, enabling us to enjoy an abundant life. This is a good fear factor.