“Those who fear the Lord won’t be afraid of bad news. Their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord—their hearts are secure. The only fear they welcome is the fear of the Lord.” (pp. Ps.112:7-8)
Heavenly Father, I am SO drawn to the heart reflected in this Scripture—a steadfast heart beating in circumstance-tested body. Having a fearless calm in the midst of difficult people and threatening events—possessing a Good News heart in a bad news world. By the truth and power of the Gospel, make that our hearts, Father.
Free us to trust you more and fret outcomes less. You’ve made us righteous in Christ; now make us less shakable when “shaky” things are happening. The Gospel won’t make us dangerously oblivious or naively indifferent; but it will make us less knee-jerk reactionary and more accepting that you’ve “got this one” and everything else well in hand. Indeed, you never call us to live in denial, but you always call us to live with greater delight in you.
Father, help us accept bad news (as well as anger-fueling, joy-depleting, and hope-sabotaging news), not with shrugged shoulders but with bent knees. Not with passive resignation but with active surrender to the God who does all things well. The Gospel won’t make us less human, but it will make us more likely to trust you when we feel vulnerable, weak, stressed, and/or afraid. Thank you, Father. So Very Amen
