Morning Devotional – September 15th 2023
Scripture: Psalm 112:7 (KJV) “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings.”
In the midst of life’s uncertainties and challenges, the person described in Psalm 112 stands strong and unafraid. This is a psalm that extols the blessings of a righteous life, and one of those blessings is a heart unshaken by bad news.
The world often brings us news of trials, difficulties, and calamities. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the constant stream of negative reports. However, the righteous person, one who trusts in the Lord and obeys His commandments, does not need to fear these evil tidings.
Why? Because their confidence is not rooted in the circumstances of this world but in the unchanging character and promises of God. They know that God is their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). They trust that even in the face of adversity, God is working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28).
As you start your day, take this assurance to heart: If you trust in the Lord and seek to live righteously, you need not be afraid of the bad news that may come your way. God is with you, and He has already overcome the world (John 16:33). Your faith in Him will carry you through any trial or difficulty that lies ahead.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the assurance that I do not need to be afraid of evil tidings. Help me to trust in You completely, knowing that Your presence and Your promises are my refuge. Grant me strength and faith to face whatever challenges may come my way today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
May this devotional bring you peace and encouragement as you face the day with confidence in God’s presence and protection.
Evening Thought
The dispensation of the old covenant was that of distance. When God appeared even to his servant Moses, he said, “Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet”; and when he manifested himself upon Mount Sinai, to his own chosen and separated people, one of the first commands was, “Thou shalt set bounds about the mount.” Both in the sacred worship of the tabernacle and the temple, the thought of distance was always prominent. The mass of the people did not even enter the outer court. Into the inner court none but the priests might dare to intrude; while into the innermost place, or the holy of holies, the high priest entered but once in the year. It was as if the Lord in those early ages would teach man that sin was so utterly loathsome to him, that he must treat men as lepers put without the camp; and when he came nearest to them, he yet made them feel the width of the separation between a holy God and an impure sinner. When the gospel came, we were placed on quite another footing. The word “Go” was exchanged for “Come”; distance was made to give place to nearness, and we who aforetime were afar off, were made nigh by the blood of Jesus Christ. Incarnate Deity has no wall of fire about it. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” is the joyful proclamation of God as he appears in human flesh. Not now does he teach the leper his leprosy by setting him at a distance, but by himself suffering the penalty of his defilement. What a state of safety and privilege is this nearness to God through Jesus! Do you know it by experience? If you know it, are you living in the power of it? Marvellous is this nearness, yet it is to be followed by a dispensation of greater nearness still, when it shall be said, “The tabernacle of God is with men, and he doth dwell among them.” Hasten it, O Lord.
