Daily text, Wednesday, December 31, 2025. I put my trust in God; I am not afraid (Ps. 56:4).

In God I trust; I am not afraid (Ps. 56:4).

When fear arises, ask yourself, “What has Jehovah done in the past?” On the one hand, reflect on the things he has created. For example, when we observe how Jehovah cares for birds and flowers—creations that were not made in his image and cannot worship him—our confidence grows that he will also care for us (Matt. 6:25-32). On the other hand, think about what Jehovah has done for his servants. You might consider the faith of a Bible character or read an experience of one of Jehovah’s servants in modern times. Also, take time to reflect on how Jehovah has cared for you personally up to now. How did he help you come to know the truth? (John 6:44). How has he answered your prayers? (1 John 5:14). In what ways do you benefit each day from the sacrifice he made by giving his beloved Son? (Eph. 1:7; Heb. 4:14-16). w24.01 3 par. 6; 7 par. 17

What will help us to be courageous when what Luke 21:26-28 says is fulfilled?

During the great tribulation, most people will “become faint out of fear.” However, God’s servants will be courageous and will stand firm (read Luke 21:26-28). Why? Because we will have learned to rely on Jehovah. Tanja explains that what she experienced in the past helps her face difficult situations today: “I have learned that there is no situation in which Jehovah cannot help us and bless us. At times it may seem that others are in control, but in reality they only have as much control as Jehovah allows. No matter how severe a trial may be, sooner or later it will come to an end.”

What helped Tanja overcome her fears?

Tanja is a sister from North Macedonia who managed to overcome her fears by meditating on Jehovah’s promises. She relates that when she began studying the Bible, her parents became extremely angry: “Exactly what I feared most happened. My mother would beat me every time I came home from the meeting. Both my parents threatened to kill me if I became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Eventually, they forced her to leave their home. How did she respond? She explains: “I focused on the thought that if I remained faithful to Jehovah, I would be happy for all eternity. I kept telling myself that even if I lost things in this system, Jehovah would reward me in the new world and help me forget all the painful memories.” Tanja remained loyal to Jehovah, and with his help she found a place to live. Today she is married to a faithful brother, and together they happily serve God full-time.

What can we reflect on?

When fear arises, meditate on what Jehovah will do in the future. Think about what life will be like when Satan is gone, when wicked people no longer exist, when only good people remain, and when imperfection gradually disappears. At the 2014 regional convention, a demonstration was presented that can help us reflect on our hope. In it, a brother spoke with his family about what 2 Timothy 3:1-5 would say if it were a prophecy about life in Paradise: “In the new world, happy times will come. People will love one another; they will treasure spiritual riches, be modest and humble, honor God, obey parents, be thankful and loyal, show deep affection for their families, be willing to make peace, speak well of others, exercise self-control, be gentle, love what is good, be trustworthy and reasonable, not be proud at all, love God rather than pleasures, and show sincere devotion to Him. Always stay close to such people.” Do we regularly talk with our family or fellow believers about what life will be like in the new world?