DEALING WITH BAD NEWS

Psalm 112:7-10 says, "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted." When our hearts are filled with reverence for God, we will be overwhelmed by His peace, as we become more aware of His presence in our lives. Our faith in God leads us to experience Him. As we experience His presence in our lives, we become confident in our trust in Him that we will not fear any bad news. Bad news can significantly affect us when we lack answers or a sense of security. However, when we are walking with God daily, trusting and obeying Him, our awareness of His presence in our lives will give us the confidence not to be afraid of dealing with bad news. Our faith in God will overcome any doubts and fears; as a result, we will become confident and fearless.

We have heard many inspiring stories of Christians who kept their confidence in life, no matter how difficult their situations became, because of their reverence for God. All of us can experience the power of God in our lives when we walk with God daily, trusting and obeying Him. Walking with God daily means that we are trusting and submitting our lives to Him in every area of our lives, such as our health, finances, and future. When we go to work, school, or any place we go, we are walking with God. We are allowing Him to speak into our hearts. We are willing to live according to His will and are not afraid to change direction from doing the wrong things to doing the right things. Giving reverence to God is a way of life for us. If we are not walking with God every day, we will always be insecure in life because we are not anchored to Him. 

If our confidence is in our jobs, families, finances, abilities, and wisdom, we will not be able to stand against bad news that is beyond our abilities and understanding. We will be overwhelmed with fear and doubt. However, if we walk with God daily, trusting and obeying Him, we will have the confidence to face any bad news because God will give us the assurance we need. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What does it mean to revere God? How do I revere God in a specific way today? Give two to three examples. In examining my heart, where do I really put my confidence?  

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, you are my confidence in life. I acknowledge that I am desperately in need of you because my understanding and strength are limited, and you are an all-knowing and all-powerful God. Please help me to walk with you every day, trusting and obeying you in everything that I do. Bad news can come in an unexpected way, but I will always have the confidence to face it because you are with me. Please guard my mind and heart from sinful ways today. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.