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When we read through Scripture, we often come across verses that call us to both fear and trust in the Lord. One such verse is found in Psalm 115:11: “You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD.”  On the surface, this may seem like two separate actions, but a closer look reveals that fearing God and trusting Him are intertwined. You can’t truly fear God without trusting Him, and vice versa. So what does this mean for us today? Let's explore this powerful relationship between fear, trust, and how it leads to spiritual rest. What Does It Mean to Fear the LORD? First, let's address the question: What does it mean to fear the LORD? Fearing God is not about being terrified of Him; it’s about recognizing His majesty, His sovereignty, and His holiness. To fear God is to stand in awe of who He is, understanding that He is far greater than anything we could ever imagine. It’s a reverence that shapes the way we live, respond, and trust in Him. When we truly fear the LORD, we acknowledge His power and His goodness, which naturally leads to trusting Him in every area of our lives. The Lord’s Constant Mindfulness of Us The psalmist writes, “The LORD has been mindful of us.”  Isn't this a beautiful reminder? God is always aware of us—our thoughts, our feelings, our actions, and even our struggles. Despite the complexities of the world, He is never distant from us. He is always present, and He lacks nothing. His attention is fully on us, not because we are worthy, but because He is gracious, merciful, and loving. Trusting God Brings Blessings In Psalm 115:13, we read, “He will bless those who fear the LORD.”  God promises blessings to those who fear Him—not because of anything we’ve done, but because of His nature. He is generous in His love and grace, and when we live with a reverent fear of Him, we position ourselves to receive His blessings. So, what does it look like to live in the fear of the LORD? It’s not a fear of punishment, but a deep respect and trust that God knows what’s best for us. It’s a trust that He will provide, guide, and care for us, even when things are difficult. This trust leads to blessings—not necessarily in material things, but in peace, guidance, and the assurance that He is with us in all things. Crying Out in Trust The psalmist also expresses a heartfelt cry: “I will call upon Him, as long as I live.”  This reflects a constant seeking after God, not out of obligation, but out of trust. When we cry out to God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him, and this kind of emotional vulnerability reveals a deep relationship. Think about it: do you cry out to those you don’t trust? Probably not. Crying out is a sign that we trust God to respond, to act, and to help us in our time of need. The psalmist goes on to describe God as “gracious, righteous, and merciful.” These attributes remind us of why we can trust Him. When we face challenges, we don’t come to God because we think we can save ourselves; we come because we know He is the only one who can truly help. We trust in His character, knowing that He is good and will always act in accordance with His nature. Humbling Ourselves and Acknowledging Our Sin Now, let’s consider what it means to humble ourselves before God. Humbling ourselves is not just about recognizing our dependence on Him, but also about acknowledging our wrongdoings—our sins. We all fall short of God’s standards, and when we humble ourselves, we admit that we cannot save ourselves from our own failures. It’s in this place of humility that we are called to confess our sins, to turn from them, and to recognize that God’s holiness requires that sin be dealt with. God hates sin. It separates us from Him, and it distorts the good plans He has for our lives. But here’s the good news: while God hates sin, He loves sinners. His justice demands that sin be punished, but His mercy offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Humbling ourselves before God means coming to Him with a contrite heart, recognizing that we’ve sinned and that we need His forgiveness. It’s in this moment of confession that we can experience His mercy and grace. Living in Holiness: A Call to Avoid Sin As we humble ourselves before God, it’s also essential to live in holiness and avoid sin. Sin is not something to take lightly—it’s an offense to God and disrupts our relationship with Him. We are called to live in a way that reflects the holiness of God, turning away from the desires of the flesh that lead us into sin. When we do fall short and sin, we are to come quickly to God in repentance. Repentance is not just a one-time event—it’s a continual turning away from sin and a returning to God. But there’s a danger when we live without a sound mind, allowing sin to persist in our lives without true remorse. If we continue to make the same transgressions without genuine repentance, our repentance becomes insincere. True repentance comes from a heart that is grieved by sin and desires to change, to grow, and to align more with God’s will. We are not meant to stay in the same place spiritually—we are called to grow. Our aim should be to become more like Jesus, living according to His Word and not according to the desires of our flesh. This means saying “no” to sin and choosing to live in a way that honors God, striving for holiness in every area of our lives. God Preserves the Simple In Psalm 116:6, the psalmist declares, “The LORD preserves the simple.”  There’s something profound about this verse. When we’re brought low—whether emotionally, spiritually, or physically—our tendency might be to fight, to try to lift ourselves up, or to make a case for why we deserve God’s help. But this verse reminds us that it is in our simplicity and humility that God works. It’s when we humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging that we cannot save ourselves, that He steps in and saves us. Humbling ourselves isn’t about denying our worth; rather, it’s about recognizing that we are utterly dependent on God. In this humility, we experience His preservation, His saving grace, and His rest. We don't have to argue or prove anything to God; we simply trust Him to act on our behalf. Rest in God’s Provision When we trust in God’s righteousness, grace, and mercy, we find rest. The psalmist says, “I was brought low, and He saved me.”  There’s no need for self-exaltation or self-justification. When we surrender to God, trusting in His goodness, He brings peace and provision in ways we can’t always predict. God’s grace is sufficient, and in that grace, we find rest for our souls. As we reflect on these truths, let us be reminded that trusting God isn't about our ability to prove ourselves worthy. It’s about recognizing His greatness, His love, and His ability to save. When we humble ourselves before Him, trusting in His mercy, we experience His preservation, His peace, and His provision. Photo by Ton Souza Let’s not shape God based on our own thoughts or preferences. When we do, we risk creating a version of God that isn't true. Instead, may we seek the God revealed in His Word—holy, just, and merciful—and allow Him to gently guide our hearts and understanding. All glory to God!

In Luke 14 and Matthew 15, Jesus warns us about “tasteless salt” – a metaphor for a faith that has lost its effectiveness. Jesus highlights the devastating consequences of a faith that no longer holds its purpose. Salt is designed to enhance flavor, preserve, and bring out the best in what it touches. But when salt loses its taste, it becomes useless. Jesus’ words urge us to examine our hearts and consider whether our faith remains vibrant, true, and impactful. When salt loses its flavor, it no longer fulfills its role. In the same way, when our faith becomes stagnant or tainted by offense, we risk losing our effectiveness as disciples of Christ. Jesus calls us to count the cost of following Him (Luke 14:28). Discipleship requires intentionality, endurance, and a willingness to embrace hardship. The cross is not merely a symbol of salvation but a call to endure suffering, affliction, and persecution for His name. But in today’s world, offense has become a pervasive sickness, infecting both the church and the wider society. Offense blinds us to the truth, making us believe that our bitterness or discontent is justified, often masking it with a false sense of righteousness. Proverbs 18:19 warns that “a brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,” emphasizing the destructive power of unresolved offense. Jesus Himself encountered offense, especially from the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 15:8-9, He says, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.”  Offense originates in the heart—a heart that has not been examined, judged, or brought before God. When we allow offense to fester, it leads us away from true worship and into self-deception, where we confuse tradition with obedience to God. Jesus also calls us to bear our cross, a symbol of enduring hardship and persecution (Luke 14:27). Bearing our cross means acknowledging the difficulties we will face as we follow Him, understanding that the journey is not without pain, but trusting that God is with us through it all. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.” The Heart of Offense: A Reflection Offense is a powerful force that can render us spiritually “tasteless.” It blinds us to the truth of God’s Word and prevents us from experiencing His transformative power. The danger of offense lies in its subtlety—it may start as a small seed but can quickly grow into a bitter root that defiles our hearts and relationships. Jesus warns in Matthew 15:3-6 that human traditions, when elevated above God’s Word, nullify the power of Scripture. Tradition can easily become a barrier to true worship, as it prioritizes external practices over internal transformation. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for allowing their traditions to invalidate the commandments of God, a stark reminder that we must carefully examine our hearts and our adherence to Scripture. The process of sanctification requires a willingness to let go of worldly traditions, personal offenses, and anything that hinders our relationship with Christ. It’s about choosing Christ over comfort, His truth over tradition. Discipleship is costly, but it’s a cost that leads to eternal reward. We are called to bear our cross daily, to endure the trials that come with following Jesus, and to trust that He will be with us through every difficulty. The Power of Truth: Uprooting Offense Jesus acknowledges that following Him will offend some. In Matthew 15:14, He tells His disciples, “Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”  When we stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, we may cause offense, especially to those who follow tradition or reject the truth. But this offense, when rooted in love and truth, is not something to shy away from. It is, in fact, an opportunity for God to uproot false beliefs and bring people back to Him. In biblical counseling, we often encounter individuals whose hearts have been hardened by offense, tradition, or misunderstanding of Scripture. Jesus’ words challenge us to address these issues head-on, with compassion and truth. We are called to gently but firmly confront the roots of offense, helping others to see how their bitterness may be hindering their walk with Christ. Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is to allow the truth to challenge and offend, for it is through this process that true healing and transformation occur. Conclusion: The Call to Remain Salty Jesus’ warning about tasteless salt is not just a call to examine our individual faith but also a call to examine the church as a whole. Are we, as the body of Christ, remaining faithful to our purpose? Are we allowing offenses, traditions, and personal preferences to dilute the power of the Gospel? The salt of the earth—the followers of Christ—are called to be distinct, to preserve the truth, and to bring flavor and light into a world that desperately needs it. We must remain “salty,” strong in our faith, committed to Christ’s call, and willing to pay the cost of true discipleship. The world may reject us, and we may face trials, but we are promised that Jesus will be with us, sanctifying us, and making us more like Him. As we follow Jesus, let us remember His words: “Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple”  (Luke 14:27). The journey of discipleship is not easy, but it is worth it. Let us bear our cross, endure the offense that comes with standing for truth, and continue to shine as the salt of the earth. Photo by Mali Maeder