No Fear of Bad News

 Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands… He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. (Ps 112:1b,7 NIV)

I don’t think I will ever forget the day the U.S. Stock Market Dow Industrial Average dropped by 777 points. If you are familiar with the significance of numbers in God’s Word, it is hard to ignore the number 777. Most people are aware of this, as seen last year when many couples crammed their weddings into the significant day of July 7, 2007 in order to have the anniversary date of 07-07-07. I think the Dow’s plunge of 777 points was God’s smile, reminding us not to put our trust in uncertain riches, which are here today and gone tomorrow. God may have been reminding us that the only sure place of trust is in Him!

In recent weeks, we have certainly had our share of bad news. A “Financial Crisis” is the major headline. Threats of a deep recession loom and the fearful comparison of contemporary events to those of the Great Depression are broadcast through the airways and printed in our newspapers. But, to the people of God, we know better than to be afraid! In addition to holding onto God’s promises, we should also put our “crisis” in perspective. If we look at things from a natural point of view, I am reminded that most of the world has never come close to the level of wealth to which our United States has become accustomed. Sources tell us that half of the world’s population lives on about two dollars per day. About one quarter of the world’s population lives on about one dollar per day, or seven dollars per week. At that rate, many of the poorest of Americans can make a week’s wages in one hour at minimum wage. I think that even in an American “crisis” we still have much for which to be thankful!

The Bible tells us that the man who fears the Lord and delights in his commands is blessed! Not only will he be blessed, but the Psalm also says the righteous man will continue to be gracious, compassionate, and generous toward others, and he will also lend freely.  The righteous man does not turn toward selfish fear and self preservation, but he focuses on the needs of others and looks to "scatter abroad his gifts to the poor."  The Lord says that type of man will have no fear of bad news and his heart will remain steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

God also says that blessing and safety are not dependent upon external factors, such as the solvency of financial institutions or the value of paper sold on Wall Street. Blessing and safety, rather, are dependent upon our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. They are rooted in our continued trust in God. In a crisis, nothing changes for the godly. Those who continue to fear the Lord and delight in His commands will continue to live under the Lord’s provision of blessing and safety. The godly will not fear bad news; their hearts will remain steadfast, trusting in the Lord.  They will look to the needs of others and keep giving generously.  Giving to others during uncertain times is a mark that a man's true trust is in the Lord and not in uncertain riches.

I love to trust in the Lord. Bad news only enhances the opportunity.