So when you read a verse like Psalm 25:14, you could replace the word fear with words like: revere, stand in awe of, respect, venerate, esteem, admire, worship. Perhaps fearing God is really a combination of all of these words! Suffice it to say that someone with a proper fear of God does not treat Him casually or dismiss His grandeur. Although God doesn’t want us to live in a perpetual state of anxiety and horror when thinking about Him, He does want us to remember that HE IS GOD. He is God of the entire universe who created everything! He is all powerful, all knowing and always present everywhere. He is not someone to just play around with or consider casually. 

What I love about this verse is the mindblowing promise that comes with our fear of God! Psalm 25:14 boldly states that the Lord confides in those who fear Him. Hmmm so what does confide really mean? Synonyms for confide include: disclose, reveal, whisper, entrust, divulge, impart. Mirriam-Webster says that to confide is to show confidence by imparting secrets. According to Britannica, confiding in someone means telling personal and private things to that person. 

Okay, so let’s use some of these synonyms and meanings to think even more about what this verse means. (Mind you, I’m not by any stretch of the imagination trying to rewrite Scripture!) For now, I’ll just focus on the first half of the verse.

The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. -Psalm 25:14

• The Lord imparts secrets to those who have a reverential awe of Him. 
• The Lord tells personal and private things to people who hold Him in high esteem.
• The Lord reveals things to those who respect and worship Him.

The footnote of my Bible says the Lord “takes them into His confidence, as friends.” Wow. I hope you’re taking a minute to really think about that. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and consider the mind boggling truth that the Almighty Lord will confide in YOU! …if you fear Him. 

What kinds of things do you imagine Him revealing to you? It could be secrets about Himself or His Word, and what a treasure that would be. Or maybe He’s ready and waiting to reveal some future plans to you! …if only you would take the time and mind space to slow down and be in His presence—in reverential awe. Just think of the treasures He holds and desires to share with you. 

If you’re thinking to yourself, I want to increase my fear of the Lord, here are a few ideas for you:

• Begin with prayer. Ask God to help you fear Him more. 
• Invite the Holy Spirit into your days, your Bible reading time, your prayers, etc. An increased awareness of the Spirit can push you in the right direction.
• Meditate on the attributes of God. (Here’s a starter list/resource for you.) Pray over these, or choose one each day to think about throughout your day! Ask God to show you that aspect of His character that day. 
• Make a list of God’s faithfulness in your life. Write down the big things and the small things—ways He’s provided to meet and exceed your needs. When you stop to actually think about and SEE all of His goodness in your life, your wonder and awe of the Lord is sure to increase. 
• Use your Bible concordance (or an internet search bar) to look up verses with the word “fear” in them. Jot down your thoughts as you go!

What a verse. The Lord confides in those who fear Him! If you desire intimacy with the King, these incredible words are for you. Fear God, and see what He reveals to you. He will bring you into His confidence, and it’s hard to imagine any better place to be.