--TRUST HIM FIRST~~ THE FEAR OF THE LORD~~

-"Praise the LORD;
praise God our
Savior! For each
day He carries us
in His arms."~
--(PSALM 68:19)--
-----
-"DON'T LET GO, DAD!
-"I won't I've got you. I promise."

--I was a little boy terrified of the water, but my dad wanted me to learn to swim. He would purposefully take me away from the side of the pool into a depth that was over my head, where he was my only support. Then he would teach me to relax and float.

It wasn't just a swimming lesson; it was a lesson in trust. I knew my father loved me and would never let me be harmed intentionally, but I was also afraid. I would cling tightly to his neck until he reassured me all would be well. Eventually his patience and kindness won out, and I began to swim. But I had to trust him first.

When I feel "over my head" in a difficulty, I sometimes think back on those moments. They help me call to mind the Lord's reassurance to His people: "Even to your old age...I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you" (ISAIAH 46:4).

We may not always be able to feel God's arms beneath us but the Lord has promised that He will never leave us (HEBREWS 13:5). As we rest in His care and promises, He helps us learn to trust in His faithfulness. He lifts us above our worries to discover new peace in Him.~~

-"Abba Father, I praise You for carrying me through life. Please give me faith to trust that You are always with me. In Jesus Name, amen."

--GOD CARRIES US TO NEW PLACES OF GRACE AS WE TRUST IN HIM.~

--ODB/JB
[To fear our Lord, is to show reverential awe, respect to His Sovereignty. "You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms."]
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