Not Afraid of Bad News

What does Christian maturity look like when put under intense pressure?

Psalm 112: “He is not afraid of bad news”

 I spent some time this morning reflecting on Psalm 112 to which the publishers of the ESV give the title “The Righteous Will Never Be Moved.” 

 Never be moved? Really? It seems like circumstances are always changing, and the winds of change have a way of pushing us off course from time to time. Maybe that’s why the Psalm was written in the first place. Here it is:

 Psa. 112     

1 Praise the LORD!   

Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, 

who greatly delights in his commandments! 

2  His offspring will be mighty in the land; 

            the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3  Wealth and riches are in his house,   

            and his righteousness endures forever.

4  Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;   

            he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

5  It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;   

            who conducts his affairs with justice.

6  For the righteous will never be moved;   

            he will be remembered forever. 

7  He is not afraid of bad news;   

            his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.

8  His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,   

            until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.

9  He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;   

            his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in

honor.

10  The wicked man sees it and is angry;   

            he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the

wicked will perish!

 Like Ps. 1, this psalm is all about how the “blessed” person can be recognized. What does he look like? How does she act, and more importantly, react? 

 First, it is important to understand the “blessed” person is one upon whom God has set his saving grace. The status of “blessed” is not something we gain by trying, but a relationship we gain through grace. 

 And that grace makes a difference in who we are and how we live. That’s the Psalmist’s burden here: What do those who have been transformed by grace look like?

 Notice where it all starts. The blessed one fears the Lord, and greatly delights in his commandments! The distinguishing characteristics of God’s people begin with their high view of Almighty God, and a passion for his Word. 

 Don’t miss this: The rest of this Psalm’s truths flow from these essential theological convictions. Given that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and the Word of God is the primary means whereby we come to know and fear God, it only makes sense that the distinguishing marks of the faithful will essentially be the degree to which we demonstrate trust in God’s promises and obedience to his commands. 

 Verses 2, 3 speak to the life results of God’s favor in terms of our families and our finances. But notice that in each case God’s favor is linked with righteousness. Our families will be strong to the extent they remain upright, and our needs will be met as we walk in righteousness. 

 Verses 4-8 get to the heart of the matter as we think about times of adversity. History has proven that our true character comes to the surface when we’re pressed, when our lives are rudely interrupted by challenging circumstance. So, what does Christian maturity look like when put under intense pressure?

 Here’s what God’s Psalmist says:

4: When things are darkest, the blessed one focuses on the light of God’s character and promises, and continues acting with grace, mercy, and generosity.

 5: When challenges abound, the blessed one remains just and refuses to act selfishly.

 6: When the storms of adversity start to pound, the blessed one refuses to be pushed off from his secure mooring in the promises of God.

 7: When the news is bad, really bad, the blessed one is not moved to panic or self-interest but remains strong in faith, providing a godly model that will be remembered in the future.

 8: When circumstances tempt the blessed ones to give in to fear, they remain steady, prudent, and courageous knowing that God is working all things for their eternal good. 

 The Psalm ends with a stark comparison between the blessed one, and the wicked one. Those whose lives have been and are being transformed by God’s saving grace will be known for their selfless generosity, evident righteousness, and honorable lives. 

 In contrast, the wicked will be angry that the blessed are not responding to the adverse challenges in sinful ways, ways that come naturally to those who live with fists raised in rebellion before Almighty God.

 Friend, this must give us pause. When challenges hit, where do we run? What do we think, and how do we react? Are our thoughts, responses, and actions reflective of the God to whom we belong, or are we indistinguishable from those who refuse to honor him?

 In closing, let’s remember Ruth, a woman of meager standing during a time of great adversity in Old Testament Israel. After her husband died, this Moabite woman accompanied her mother-in-law back to Israel knowing life would be very hard. But, in Ruth 2:12 we find the key to Ruth’s strength and eventual blessing from God.

When asked, Boaz told Ruth the reason he had treated her with such favor: “The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”

 When life was at its most challenging, Ruth ran to the Lord, not away. She risked everything on her belief that what God promised, he would do. That same God is promising the same things to us today. We have the same choice Ruth had. Will we respond to the challenges of life in a way that reflects our standing as God’s favored ones? I pray I will, and I pray you will too.