August 20
The Fountain
of Life
Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
Daily Steps
The final benefit of embracing the fear of the Lord (Day 232) is its power to sustain and protect the new believer. This verse describes reverent awe as a continuous, vital source of life that actively defends against spiritual danger: The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.
The peace in this principle is found in vital protection:
A Continuous Source of Life: The fear of the Lord is likened to a fountain of life. A fountain represents a constant, refreshing, and clean source of spiritual vitality. This reverent awe keeps the believer connected to God's own life force, providing continuous strength and sustenance (The River of Life, Day 214).
Active Protection: This fountain of life has a proactive, protective effect: it is turning a person from the snares of death. The snares of death represent moral compromise, habitual sin, and spiritual danger (The Adversary, Day 177). The wisdom that comes from fearing God serves as a powerful spiritual defense mechanism.
The Result is Purity: The commitment to the fear of the Lord secures purity and integrity. By actively turning away from danger, the believer maintains a clear conscience and an uncompromised path, which is the foundation of genuine, lasting peace (Sincere Love, Day 217).
Your peace is secured by spiritual vitality. Embrace the fear of the Lord as a continuous fountain of life, allowing it to actively protect you and turn your steps away from the snares and traps of the world.
Reflective Question
If the fear of the Lord is meant to be a continuous fountain of life, what spiritual snare (temptation, habit, or ungodly influence) in your life do you need the courage to turn away from today? How can reverent awe of God empower that decision?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your word that provides life. I pray that the fear of the Lord would be a perpetual fountain of life in my soul, constantly refreshing and strengthening me.
Give me the wisdom to see and the strength to turn from the snares of death. Secure my peace today in the active, vital protection that flows from profound respect for Your holiness. Amen.
