Faith often swings between two extremes. Some days, hope feels strong—believing God will come through and make a way. Other days, especially when prayers go unanswered, God can feel distant or intimidating. We might grow casual with Him or quietly anxious. Balancing hopeful trust with reverent awe is vital in our spiritual journey.
David captures this tension: “Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:9, NKJV). At first, fear and hope seem unlikely companions. Yet David, shaped by victories, failures, and waiting, knew that godly fear does not drain hope—it secures it.
When reverence fades, faith wobbles. Comfort with God can lead to selective obedience, delayed repentance, and routine worship. Hope may shift from trusting God’s character to demanding certain outcomes. David’s call to fear the Lord calls us back to a steadier center—where God is both trusted and honored.
In Jesus Christ, God’s holiness and love meet—He bore our sin and shame, opening the way to stand confidently in God’s holy presence.Through Christ, our hope is anchored not in changing circumstances, but in the unchanging, ever present, faithful God.
Pause and Ponder
- When do I find it hardest to trust that fear and hope in God actually go hand in hand?
- Where might spiritual complacency be dulling my awe before God?
- Who in my life needs to hear how trusting Jesus brings both awe and hope?
When awe and hope come together, they guard our hearts from despair and self-reliance. Godly fear holds them in balance, leading us into steady, confident faith..
Lord Jesus, help me to fear You in a way that deepens my hope. Guard me from careless faith and draw me into awe of Your holiness and love. Amen.
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