Psalm 112

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!

His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.

Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.

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.

This Psalm has blessed me and loved ones in this season more than I can imagine. When reading it over for a study for our community Bible study group, I never would have guessed how much I’d be leaning on it during this season of hard. It’s been a season of loss. For family. For friends. It’s been a hard month, a hard end of year. A mix of emotions to still find the joy and sparkle and fun amidst great emotions of loss. But Psalm 112 has been a mantra of “we do not fear bad news,” and knowing our faith in things unseen is there for our good. And that’s the thing, even amidst bad news, on two separate instances of loss, these loved ones handled the loss and devastation of such news with grace, unfearing, and knowing the Lord is still so, so good. A faith described in the beginning of Psalm 112 is one I am honored I can explain to my children one day fit their Grandpa well. And it’s a faith I can only hope to live out as well. Having children who are an abundance to those around them. Having a faith unwaivering. Having a giving heart rooted in love.

It’s been a hard month. But we aren’t fearing. We are finding the joy instead.