February 17
He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7
If you watch the news, it won't take you very long to hear an evil tiding. It seems like bad news is all we hear any more. If you consume a lot of it, it will start having an ill effect on you.
Think about the last time you heard some bad news. Maybe you got a bad health report or received terrible news about someone. Whatever the case, we all know what it feels like to be in that position. Your heart sinks a little bit as fear tries to creep in. However, as this verse says, "the heart that is steadfast is the one who trusts in the Lord."
I remember when my mom called to say that my dad had pancreatic cancer. He had already had skin cancer and prostate cancer and was diagnosed with lung cancer simultaneously. I had a choice to make upon hearing that news. Was I going to be afraid or trust in God? I remember an overwhelming calm came over me as I wasn't about to let fear take up space in my heart and mind. My focus stayed steadfast on God and His promises. It was a tough couple of years for my dad as he went through chemo treatments and surgeries, but his faith never wavered, and neither did our family's. I'm happy to report that he is still cancer-free!
Trusting in God doesn't make you immune to attack – it doesn't keep evil reports from coming your way. However, trusting God does help you to get through those times. His steadfast love will sustain you and carry you through the valleys of life. Next time you get news that threatens to take your peace, say out loud, I trust in the Lord, and He will see me through.
Dear Lord, I trust you when my circumstances bring fear. Help me to keep my mind focused on you and you alone. Amen.