APRIL 22 - Fear That Leads to Freedom
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 14:26-27; Romans 6
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“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” — Proverbs 14:26–27
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23
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Fear usually feels like something we should run from. Afraid of rejection, failure, or the future—those kinds of fear can trap us. But the Bible talks about a different kind of fear: the fear of the Lord. Not fear like being scared of a monster, but a deep awe and respect for who God is.
In Proverbs 14:26–27, this fear brings confidence and life. It helps us avoid the traps of sin. And Romans 6 reminds us why that matters—because sin leads to death, but God offers a way out through Jesus. Choosing to follow Jesus is choosing freedom. But that freedom doesn’t mean doing whatever we want—it means we’re finally free to live the way God designed us to: full of purpose, peace, and real joy.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Real Confidence Comes from God: Where are you trying to find your confidence—your looks, your popularity, your talents? Proverbs says that fearing God is where true confidence begins. Why do you think that is?
2. Freedom Isn’t the Same as “No Rules”: Romans 6 talks about being set free from sin, not just free to sin. How do you think following Jesus gives you more freedom—not less?
3. Sin Has a Price, but Grace Is Free: The Bible says sin earns death, but God gives eternal life. What does that say about how much God loves you?
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BOTTOM LINE
Fearing God isn’t about being scared—it’s about recognizing His greatness and trusting Him completely. That kind of fear leads to confidence, life, and freedom from sin through Jesus.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving me enough to offer freedom through Jesus. Help me to truly understand what it means to fear You—to respect You, trust You, and follow You. I don’t want to be trapped by sin or fooled by fake freedom. Teach me how to walk in the kind of freedom that leads to life. Help me find my confidence in You alone.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
