The New Testament authors articulate a corresponding kind of power that we can experience from God, a power that works within us. In the Old Testament, the Lord commanded Israel to rely on Him to fight their battles, a theme that recurs in the psalms. There, we find proclamations of victory interwoven with personal testimonies of encountering God’s glory. In Psalm 25, the psalmist blesses himself by inviting the Lord to mold his heart and transform him into a new creation. Such transformation allows us to revel in the light of the Lord's glory, as we engage in the mystery of experiencing God actively working within us. This divine force is not merely a concept but a tangible reality that shapes our lives. The psalmist asserts that God’s covenant people will never experience shame because they do not charge God with failing to defend His own. This perspective is often shaped by a sense of national pride; it is only the wicked who perceive God as distant or indifferent. The psalmist reassures that God’s people will not be put to shame because they place their trust in Him as a loving Father, a relationship that is grounded in grace and not in the shortcomings that characterize earthly relationships. The psalmist continues by asking God for help based on His faithfulness and righteousness, acknowledging that no one is truly righteous in God’s sight. The idea that fear of disobedience is a healthy emotion is one that I cannot support. To illustrate my perspective, I will use vivid imagery to highlight how my views align with the usage found in the Old Testament. Whenever we assert that a “healthy fear” is necessary, we tread on dangerous ground. The Scriptures tell us that there is no fear in love; rather, perfect love banishes fear altogether. This perfect love refers to God’s covenant love, an inexhaustible and unconditional love that He extends to His people. When you fear God, you are essentially saying that His shame, or the consequences of disobedience, is beneficial for you. This notion is encapsulated in two key statements: they convey that any feelings of fear, shame, and the dread of sin are inherently good. However, the Bible presents a different narrative, one that emphasizes that such fear and shame are not to be celebrated but rather condemned. A poignant example of this can be found in Psalm 25, where it proclaims, “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame.” In stark contrast, it warns that those who betray this trust—those who act treacherously—will find themselves shamed, as they wait in vain for God's help, dismissing Him as silent and untrustworthy. The psalmist is confident that God will not allow him to experience shame, as long as he remains steadfast in his commitment. Just as in a military context, abandoning one’s post is considered treasonous. The psalmist believes that God will uphold His covenant promises, which is integral to the way we worship and relate to Him. Now, what does this kind of reverence look like? It is akin to experiencing the radiance of God’s glory. God’s presence was always manifest before Israel for a significant purpose; He was described as a guiding light by night and a flame by day. This divine fire, which the New Testament often associates with God’s destructive power against His enemies, has never turned against Israel. Instead, it always leads the way, vanquishing those who oppose His people. The implication here is that military triumphs were seen as manifestations of the Lord of Glory descending from heaven in His chariot to deliver His people. This divine figure was so radiantly glorious that His light blinded the enemies of Israel, signifying the overwhelming presence of God alongside His angels, who came with immense power. Throughout their battles, Israel witnessed this divine might.