Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Psalm 112 (NIV)
1 Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. 4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end, they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. 10 The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
In light of the recent school shooting in Florida many people have responded in fear. We react to “bad news” trying to figure out ways to keep our kids safer. But confidence in God rejects reactivity. When we look to God, the bad news is not debilitating. It is tragic and heartbreaking, but we know it is not the end. The cross and the empty tomb call us to remain steady in the way of love and to continue to live generous lives that seek righteousness. We can be confident because God is faithful.