“To be continued…” What a phrase to see just as a show gets good. The suspenseful music builds, the actors nail their lines, the plot thickens—and then, right at the peak moment, the screen fades and those words appear: “To be continued…” On one hand, it’s frustrating because you want answers now! On the other hand, it fills you with expectation for what’s to come.

In the same way, walking in the fear of the Lord keeps us living in a constant state of “to be continued.” Every day becomes another episode of following Him. Like the disciples, we can’t always predict the itinerary, but we can trust that the journey will hold joy, purpose, and hope. As Solomon reminds us: “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18). Fearing the Lord shapes not only today, but also tomorrow.

That’s why Solomon begins with a warning: “Let not your heart envy sinners.” Envy, as Webster’s defines it, is “a painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.” When our eyes drift to what others have, we can easily get resentful, anxious, or discontent. But when we continue in the fear of the Lord, something shifts. Envy loses its grip, and joy in God takes its place. We become less anxious about the temporary and more passionate about the eternal. Our posture toward the lost softens—not with judgment, but with compassion for their souls. Our gaze lifts from problems to Jesus Himself.

And here’s the promise: as we continue in the fear of the Lord, He continues the good work He began in us. We don’t just “hold on” until the end; we walk forward with confidence that the story isn’t over yet.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6