Our Scripture reading today is Psalm 147:11, "The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy."
The fear of God and hope in God are brought together when we recognize He is all we need. God's mercy keeps us from getting what we deserve. As sinners, we deserve death in Hell forever. Every day we should be thankful for the mercy of God. “Marks of new birth are fear and hope. They fear, for they are sinners; they hope, for God is merciful. They fear him, for he is great; they hope in him, for he is good. Their fear sobers their hope; their hope brightens their fear: God takes pleasure in them both in their trembling and in their rejoicing.” (Spurgeon)