Unafraid of Bad News

Most of us have experienced times when we were afraid of some bad news. It could be potential layoffs at work, possible bad news at the doctor’s office, or a general fear of world events. Sometimes, we are able to make plans to work through a solution. But at other times the fears grow as we spend more time thinking about them.

Psalm 112:6-8 says, “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” Walking in righteousness removes fear. God’s righteousness in us makes us unafraid of evil and those who may seek to harm us in some way. Trusting God’s steadfast love and faithfulness makes our hearts secure and steady in the face of the unexpected.

Categories

While most people agree that prejudice and bigotry are wrong, we seem to still engage in it from time to time. Most of it is innocent categorizing of people according to age, race, personality habits, and opinions. We take personality tests to learn how to relate to each other, all the while categorizing people as introvert, extrovert, or some other trait. Media sites feed into the judgement frenzy by writing stories about classes of people and thereby judging them. Every day, I see articles about Boomers, Millenials, as well as Generation X, Y, and Z.

Romans 10:12-13 says, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” To God, only one distinction is made among people; that is whether or not they have called upon Him for salvation. Manmade distinctions among people only serve to enhance judgement of others and bigotry.

Applications Accepted

If you have ever sought a job, you know the tensions and stress that come with the process. You hope that your qualifications match what the company is looking for. And then you trust that you will present yourself well in personal interviews. You even believe that you have the personal attributes that the company seeks.

Psalm 37:11 says, “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” The world values the movers and shakers, the aggressive and self-confident. But God blesses those who are gentle, mild, patient, and humble, showing quiet strength and restraint rather than being easily provoked and aggressive.

Come Alive

Sometimes, I can be watching an event when all of a sudden the  mood changes. The speaker says something amazing, an athlete accomplishes the spectacular, or the music comes to a crescendo. Then, the spectators are moved from quiet attention to stand to their feet, wildly applaud, and lift their voices in celebration. At this point, the crowd becomes a participant in the performance, living the thrill and excitement.

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” During the time that God gives us to live on earth, let’s really live! How can we do that? By shedding the ways and desires of our selfish flesh and fully embracing the life that God gives us through faith in Jesus Christ. Let’s become more than spectators by fully participating in the life that God has for us.

Making the Team

Most of us have tried out for a position in a play, in a musical group, for a science fair display, or making a sports team roster. Trying out brings a certain degree of fear along with the tryouts. We fear not being on the list when the accepted members are posted.

Romans 8:15-16 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.” God doesn’t offer tryouts to become members of His family, where we would have to fear that we are not good enough for Him. Instead, those who trust in Him for salvation are adopted by Him into His family.