No Fear

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.” (Psalms 112:7)

The author of Psalms 112 is unknown, but all commentators believe it was David. The psalm is acrostic meaning the verses begin in alphabetical order. Of course, we don’t see that in other languages other than in the original language. The whole psalm compares the righteous against the wicked.

In our verse the righteous is not afraid of evil tidings. Being afraid of bad news is fear of the unknown and the consequences of it. But the righteous knows that the Lord is with them and for them. Knowing that the One in control of all things in this world is for us is being confident that although it may be bad news, it will work out in our best interest. So, there is no fear. The words “shall not” are resolute.

Of course it’s unnatural not to be afraid in dire circumstances. It’s a supernatural peace trusting in the Lord.  It’s the peace the Jesus gives. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) It’s not a matter of mind over matter. It’s a product of trusting the Lord that the unknown will not harm us in spirit, in soul (mind, will, emotions) or body. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. (Isaiah 26:3)

“His heart is fixed.” The word fixed means faithful and stable. A heart that is fixed cannot be moved by what it sees, hears or feels. It’s not moved nor changed by the circumstances. “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” (Psalms 57:7) If our hearts are fixed, our words and actions will reflect it. There will be no words of doubt or actions that tell a different story.

The trust is on no other but the Lord. It’s not in our manipulations and not even in our prayers. It’s not the many prayers or words that move God. God is moved by His Will, His Word and faith. It’s sacrilege to think that things happen or change because of my fervent prayer. “...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16) No matter how fervent, it’s still the Lord Who hears.  It’s still the Lord Who answers. And it’s still the Lord Who has mercy and compassion on us. It's still the Lord Who does it. What then is James saying? A fervent prayer is effectual because it declares faith in God’s might and power over all things. It declares faith that God’s Will is what will be done, and it may not be how and when we want it. It declares faith in God’s willingness to hear us and act in our corner. The faith is not in our prayer, but faith in our God. This is a fine line. To cross it in prayer will not get our prayers answered.  It’s effectual because God’s Will is done instead of ours. It’s mighty because it will be a work of God, not a work of our prayers. We give ourselves too much credit and sometimes even taking God’s glory. This is a dangerous place to be.

In this short verse in Psalms 112, we learn that when we trust God and truly believe Him, nothing can change our outlook. And nothing can change God’s goodness for us. Therefore, there is no fear of man, no fear of the future, no fear of the unknown. And no fear in any circumstance.