“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.” (Psalms 112:7)
This psalm thought by some to be written by David describes the character, conduct, usefulness, and happiness of a righteous man. Some translations have translated the word righteous for good. This righteous person reveres God and is obedient to His commandments. (Verse 1) David expounds the benefits of this reverence and obedience. His children and descendants are blessed. He prospers. He is welcomed wherever he goes because of his kindness and compassion. He lends to those in need. And he has a good reputation. (Verses 2-6)
In verse 7, the psalm switches to the spirituality of the righteous man. He trusts in the Lord. His relationship with the Lord manifests itself in confidence and assurance that the Lord is his refuge in any circumstance. “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings...” No matter the bad news that come to him, he isn’t afraid of the outcome. More so today, the Covenant of Jesus should make us sure of His love, help and good results of any situation, difficulty or dilemma because God is with us and for us. Even if the news is death. Physical death from this world is victory for us. Paul had the right attitude. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Paul was confident that God’s Will in any matter was God’s best for him.
When we’re in a situation, the good results we want are not spiritual. We are so attached to this world and our flesh; we just want relief of the stress and oppression. We want to be free of the unknown, the discomfort and pain. But the righteous man is not moved by these feelings and fears caused by his flesh. He trusts God and submits to God’s Will. God has delivered him before. God will deliver him again. The conclusion of other difficulties have been for the better. God has always had His best for him. Why should he fear the unknown?
The psalmist writes, “...his heart is fixed...” The Hebrew word used for fixed means to stand erect. It’s close to a stubbornness kind of thing. But it’s a stubbornness not because of any self-will, but a firmness in his trust in God. He will not be moved. His heart, a word used for soul which means his mind, will and emotions, is firm and unyielding to the bad news, to the unknown and to the fears even if it’s his demise because of his trust in God.
Jesus warned his disciples of the persecution that was to come upon them. “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:12-19) Jesus tells them that through their perseverance in the persecution, “possess” your souls, have control over your mind, will and emotions. Today, in many countries, there are brethren suffering much persecution for the Name of Jesus. Their comfort is their faith and trust in the Lord.
Paul tells of the faith and trust that Abraham had. “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;” (Romans 4:20) All things pointed to the possibility that the promise would not come. But it came at God’s appointed time.
God’s promises to us are sure. Even death is not the end for us. “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” (John 11:25) Like Jesus told His disciples, “possess” your souls, our faith and trust in God allows us to “possess” our souls.
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