Firm in Our Hearts

They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord. Psalm 112:7 NRSV

How many of us fall apart when we hear bad news?

How many of us imagine even worse things when we hear negative tidings?

Yet, if we are secure in God's hands, why should we fall apart? Why should we become negative and pessimistic when things are not going well?

This psalm reminds us that, if we are sure in our faith, our hearts will be firm. We won't be afraid of evil tidings. That doesn't mean we won't cry or feel helpless. Just because we are faithful does not mean we are devoid of emotions. It does mean that fear of evil will not move us. We will stick with God. We will lean on God's promises. We will lean on our community of faith. We will continue to give to God's work in the world. We will continue to give God the praise and the glory.

However, we can't wait until bad news reaches us before being firm in our hearts, secure in the Lord. We must first be scripturally sound, full of graciousness, mercy, righteousness, giving to the poor and needy, generous with our blessings and sticking to what is right and just. This is what Psalm 112 says of those whose hearts are secure in the Lord. They are already firm in God's commandments and the life worthy of God before evil strikes.

How firm are you going to be when you hear bad news?

God, help us to be grounded in you, living the life that you command us through the scriptures. Then we will remain firm in our hearts when we hear bad news. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims