Fear, Trust, Rejoice!

            Have you had your Joy Juice today?  Are you experiencing any fears regarding this new year?

            FEAR…when you hear that word, what kind of mental picture comes to your mind?  Do you fear losing someone you love?  What about fear over a health condition?  Do you fear the dark or the unknown or being alone?  In all of those circumstances, when we use that word “fear”, we are referring to being afraid.

            But let’s look at the word “fear” in Psalm 128 verses 1 -2.

"Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."

            These verses bring hope and encouragement….not dread.  The word “fear” in this passage means a healthy respect for God.  It reminds us that we can trust God…always!  We don’t have to be afraid of what might happen in the days to come, because HE is in control.  So in this context, fear is as good thing.  I like to think of it as a spiritual equation:  FEAR of GOD + TRUST in GOD = JOY in the Lord!

            That’s simple to say, easy to remember and a great way to begin a new year.  Let me repeat it so that you can write it upon your heart and make it your motto for the upcoming days of 2018.  FEAR of GOD + TRUST in GOD = JOY in the Lord!

             Look forward with JOYful anticipation what to this new year will bring as your fear God and trust in His masterful plan.