Why We Need Psalm 112:7-8 in a World of Bad News and Uncertainty

Why We Need Psalm 112:7-8 More Than Ever

When we look back at the year 2022, we can all agree it was a year of great loss, fear, and uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to ravage the world, with millions infected and thousands dying every day. Political tensions and upheavals were on the rise, racial friction and distrust escalated, and economic instability became the norm for many people.

As we move into the new year, we can't help but wonder if things will get better or worse. More bad news may come, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and afraid. But as Christians, we have a source of hope and strength that goes beyond our circumstances. Psalm 112:7-8 reminds us of the power of faith in the midst of adversity.

The Promise of Psalm 112:7-8

He is not afraid of bad news;

     his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,

     until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.

These two verses describe the character of a man who fears the Lord. He is not afraid of bad news because he trusts in God's sovereignty and goodness. His heart is firm and steady because he knows that God is in control and will never abandon him. He is not afraid of his enemies because he knows that God will ultimately triumph over them.

As we read these words, we might wonder how we can become like this man. How can we have the same confidence and courage in the face of adversity? The answer lies in understanding the nature of our faith and the character of our God.

The Nature of Our Faith

When we talk about faith, we often think of it as a feeling or belief in something we can't see or prove. But biblical faith is much more than that. It's a trust in the character and promises of God, based on what he has revealed about himself in his Word and in the person of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This means that our faith is not a blind leap into the unknown, but a confident assurance that God will fulfill his promises, even when we can't see how.

When we face bad news or difficult circumstances, our faith is tested. We might be tempted to doubt God's goodness or question his plan. But as Psalm 112:7-8 reminds us, our faith should be a firm and steady anchor in the storm.

The Character of Our God

Our faith is only as strong as the object of our faith. If we put our trust in something or someone that is unreliable, our faith will crumble when we need it the most. But when we put our trust in God, we can be confident that he will never fail us.

The Bible describes God as faithful, loving, just, merciful, and sovereign. These are not just abstract concepts, but qualities that are demonstrated in his actions throughout history. God has shown his faithfulness to his people by keeping his promises, even when they were unfaithful. He has shown his love by sending his Son to die for us while we were still sinners. He has shown his justice by punishing sin and evil, and his mercy by offering forgiveness and salvation to all who repent and believe.

When we understand the character of our God, we can trust him in all circumstances. Even when we don't understand why things are happening, we can be confident that he is working all things together for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28).

Applying Psalm 112:7-8 to Our Lives

So how can we apply Psalm 112:7-8 to our lives in 2023 and beyond? Here are some practical steps we can take:

1. Cultivate a deep and abiding faith in God.

This means spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and meditating on God's character and promises. We can't have a firm and steady heart if we don't know the one who gives us that heart.

2. Choose to trust God in all circumstances.

This doesn't mean we have to pretend that everything is okay or ignore our emotions. It means acknowledging our fears and doubts, but choosing to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty anyway. We can pray like the psalmist in Psalm 56:3-4, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"

3. Look to the future with hope and confidence.

Psalm 112:8 says that the man who fears the Lord will not be afraid until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. This doesn't mean that all our problems will go away in this life, but it does mean that we have a future hope that goes beyond our current circumstances. As Christians, we believe in the resurrection of the dead and the renewal of all things. We know that one day, God will make all things new and wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4).

Conclusion

In a world that is full of bad news and uncertainty, we need the promise of Psalm 112:7-8 more than ever. We need a faith that is firm and steady, a trust that is based on the character and promises of God. We need to cultivate that faith through prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship with other believers. We need to choose to trust God in all circumstances, even when it's hard. And we need to look to the future with hope and confidence, knowing that God is in control and will ultimately triumph over all our enemies.

So as we begin this new year, let's hold fast to the promise of Psalm 112:7-8. Let's be men and women who fear the Lord and trust in his goodness and sovereignty. Let's be a light in the darkness, pointing others to the hope that we have in Christ.