If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. (Psalm 140: 3-4)

Often the psalmist claims to have earned God's protection. Psalm 119 is in this pattern, "My soul keeps your decrees; I love them exceedingly. I keep your precepts and decrees, for all my ways are before you." (verses 167-168)

In the Psalm above the argument for protection is God's self-interest. I may not have earned your protection, but if you allow my enemies to overcome me there will be one less prayer and one less sacrifice made to you.

In the example of Jesus we have learned that God does not need our reverence and we cannot earn God's love. But God loves us unconditionally. By fully accepting the love of God our fears can be transformed.