Godly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for the Almighty, is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. It is a fear that does not drive one away from God but rather draws one closer, fostering a deep trust and confidence in Him. This fear is not terror but a profound respect that acknowledges God's holiness, power, and love.

Biblical Examples of Godly Fear and Confidence in God

1. Abraham: Abraham is a quintessential example of godly fear leading to confidence in God. In Genesis 22, when God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. His fear of God was evident in his willingness to surrender what was most precious to him, trusting in God's promise. Hebrews 11:17-19 reflects on this, stating, "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, even though God had said to him, 'Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.' Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death."

2. David: King David, a man after God's own heart, exemplified godly fear and confidence in God throughout his life. In Psalm 56:3-4 , David declares, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Despite facing numerous adversities, David's reverence for God led him to place unwavering trust in the Lord's protection and guidance.

3. Daniel: Daniel's life in Babylon is a testament to godly fear and confidence in God. Despite the threat of persecution, Daniel continued to pray to God openly, demonstrating his reverence and trust. Daniel 6:10 records, "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel's fear of God surpassed his fear of earthly rulers, and his confidence in God was rewarded with divine deliverance.

4. The Early Church: The early Christians exhibited godly fear and confidence in God, even in the face of persecution. Acts 9:31 notes, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." Their reverence for God and trust in His sovereignty empowered them to spread the Gospel boldly.

Theological Insights

Godly fear is foundational to a life of faith and obedience. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not merely an emotional response but a recognition of God's majesty and authority, leading to a life of trust and reliance on Him.

The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 2:12-13 , exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage highlights that godly fear is intertwined with the believer's sanctification process, as it acknowledges God's active role in their spiritual growth.

Practical Application

For believers today, cultivating godly fear involves a continual awareness of God's presence and a commitment to live according to His will. It requires a heart that seeks to honor God above all else, trusting in His promises and providence. As Psalm 34:9 encourages, "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing." This assurance invites believers to place their confidence in God, knowing that He is faithful to provide and protect.Psalm 115:11
You that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 14:26
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... Godly Fear and its Goodly Consequence. ... dear friends, there is a heaven lying asleep
inside those words"his ... this is a grand thought for you that fear him and ...
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Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man.
... When we rightly understand, we shall fear his wrath against sin ... if you make an effort
to be a godly Christian, to ... and injustice on the part of those who should ...
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Waiting Only Upon God
... merchant, if thou art a godly man, thou hast ... In most cases they have"and I fear you
serve ... and mortars, accompanied by the whizzing of those destructive and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/waiting only upon god.htm

Faith and Regeneration
... for us by Christ Jesus, and that godly fear and careful ... God has anointed him to exercise
those three offices ... trust him," then, dear friend, you have the faith ...
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Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... that even the pious, and those who fear God, need this ... in the death of the sinner;
that the godly may feel ... if he were not disposed to receive those who implore ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

Psalm LXX.
... This is true, this is godly. ... thou wilt be diverted from Him, and wilt be like unto
those that were ... Do not thou, then, so, do not so: fear the word of the Lord ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxx.htm

A More Particular Account of the Way by which this Salvation is to ...
... with guilt, and shame, and fear, or horror ... and behaving thyself "soberly, righteously,
and godly, in this ... far as circumstances will allow, even those who have ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter ix a more particular.htm

Love's Logic
... do not appear to possess one good thought; I fear I have ... that God loves men because
they are godly, but listen ... God has love in his heart towards those who have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/loves logic.htm

Of Baptism.
... there can be no doubt that all the godly may, during ... so easily apparent in a profane
man who, without fear of God ... Rom.8:1). Hence he teaches that those whom the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 of baptism.htm

A Faithful Friend
... Those who have "grown in beauty side by side, and filled one house ... And do you fear
he will yet forsake you ... not prove this to the ungodly, and to the godly it is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/a faithful friend.htm

Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about fear? | GotQuestions.org

Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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