Psalm 112: Verses 4-8 (NIV)
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
Ephesians 4: 22-24 (NIV)
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians Chapter 3: Verse 2 (NIV)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
The verses in Psalm 112 are encouraging for all of us who trust in God. It doesn’t promise us that we will not have hard times or difficult circumstances, but it does tell us that we need not fear bad news. Why? Even in the darkness the light of dawn, that is Christ, will break upon us.
The verses remind us that its in trusting the Lord that we have no fear. Paul reminds us in the New Testament reading in Ephesians that we need to cast such things off and put on the new self, and that all starts with the attitude of our minds. In our times of trial or difficulty we need to cast off our old train of thought, which might be to panic or worry, and fix our minds on the things of God, rather than ruminate about our circumstances. By doing that, then the light of Christ will illuminate our situation and show us how to handle it.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful that we have no need to walk in darkness alone because the light that is Christ is in our hearts. Help me to remember where to focus my thoughts when things are tough. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.