Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure; they will have no fear. Psalm 112:6-8 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, I’m drawn to the heart King David described in this Scripture like a baby robin to morning’s breakfast; like a hungry trout to an emerging hatch; like me standing in front of a buffet of chocolate. Oh to have a steadfast heart beating in a circumstance-tested body; a fearless calm when surrounded by difficult people and threatening events; a Good News heart in a bad news world.
By the truth and power of the gospel, make that heart beat within my chest, Father. Free me to trust more and fret less. You’ve declared me fully forgiven and perfectly righteous in Christ; now make me less shakable when shaky things are going on.
I don’t want to be oblivious or impervious, filled with denial or dismissive of reality; but less knee-jerk reactionary and less “the-sky-is-falling-ish.” Father, my theology tells me you’ve “got this one,” and everything else, well in hand. Make my theology my doxology—my head’s profession my heart’s possession.
Help me to accept “bad news” (or shocking or disappointing news, or anger-fueling or joy-depleting news), not with a shrug of my shoulders, but with bent knees and palms up—not with passive resignation, but with active surrender to the God who does all things well. You are at work in all things for our good… all things. Thank you, Father. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ wonderful and merciful name.
