The righteous are not afraid of evil tidings;
their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Psalm 112:7
their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Psalm 112:7
To be righteous is to be in right relationship with God. This verse from Psalm 112 describes the security of those who walk with God. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of the world, God's people are secure in his care and love.
It sounds good, doesn't it?
It sounds good, doesn't it?
Unfortunately, for many of us, that kind of security is only a dream. We would love to live that way - but we awaken each day to a maelstrom of circumstances pulling us down into fear and doubt and cynicism. If something good happens, then we feel good. But if something bad happens, then we fall into despair. It's as if we wait until we hear the morning news before we decide what kind of attitude we'll take into our day! Good news? Then we'll be fine. Bad news? Then we're in crisis.
God does not intend for his people to be subject to the circumstances of life. He offers a security that transcends the events and happenings of each day. We don't have to be afraid of hearing bad news. Rather, we can choose to anchor our hearts securely in the safety of his care.
I recently read about the Iguacu Falls in South America. The falls span a two-mile expanse, dwarfing the North American Niagara Falls. Each second, tons of water cascade over the falls. The tumult can be heard for miles. But right there, in the midst of the noise and fury, some tiny birds live. How can they withstand the stress of the noise? Somehow, they have adjusted to their surroundings. They were hatched there. They have lived their lives there. Somehow, in the midst of the chaos, they maintain a peaceful existence.
Those birds remind me that we don't need perfect silence or perfect order to have perfect peace - because peace is a gift from God. Peace grow out of the security that God offers and is not dependent on circumstances.
Frankly, it's exhausting to live in fear, waiting for the next piece of bad news. And, yes, bad news is bound to come eventually. But how wonderful it would be to live in a place of deep security, trusting God and knowing his eternal love regardless of what might happen around us!
It's not just a dream. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of our world - despite the chaos and uncertainty of our lives - those who walk with God can live secure in his love and care. Bad news will still be hard, but what a blessing to have a solid foundation.
So . . . don't be afraid. We can make the choice to trust God . . . no matter what is happening around us.
God does not intend for his people to be subject to the circumstances of life. He offers a security that transcends the events and happenings of each day. We don't have to be afraid of hearing bad news. Rather, we can choose to anchor our hearts securely in the safety of his care.
I recently read about the Iguacu Falls in South America. The falls span a two-mile expanse, dwarfing the North American Niagara Falls. Each second, tons of water cascade over the falls. The tumult can be heard for miles. But right there, in the midst of the noise and fury, some tiny birds live. How can they withstand the stress of the noise? Somehow, they have adjusted to their surroundings. They were hatched there. They have lived their lives there. Somehow, in the midst of the chaos, they maintain a peaceful existence.
Those birds remind me that we don't need perfect silence or perfect order to have perfect peace - because peace is a gift from God. Peace grow out of the security that God offers and is not dependent on circumstances.
Frankly, it's exhausting to live in fear, waiting for the next piece of bad news. And, yes, bad news is bound to come eventually. But how wonderful it would be to live in a place of deep security, trusting God and knowing his eternal love regardless of what might happen around us!
It's not just a dream. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of our world - despite the chaos and uncertainty of our lives - those who walk with God can live secure in his love and care. Bad news will still be hard, but what a blessing to have a solid foundation.
So . . . don't be afraid. We can make the choice to trust God . . . no matter what is happening around us.