7.) No fears to face for they will be steadfast in their faith: "They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." (v.7)

8.) Security without fears and in the end shall be triumphant: "Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes" (v.8)

9.) They are generous and gracious "They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor." (v.9)

Matthew Henry said this about Psalm 112: "Blessings are laid up for the faithful and their children's children; and true riches are bestowed on them, with as much of this world's possessions as is profitable for them. In the darkest hours of affliction and trial, the light of hope and peace will spring up within them, and seasonable relief shall turn mourning into joy. From their Lord's example they learn to be kind and full of compassion, as well as just in all their dealings; they use discretion, that they may be liberal in that manner which appears most likely to do good. Envy and slander may for a time hide their true characters here, but they shall be had in everlasting remembrance. They need not fear evil tidings. A good man shall have a settled spirit. And it is the endeavor of true believers to keep their minds stayed upon God, and so to keep them calm and undisturbed; and God has promised them both cause to do so, and grace to do so. Trusting in the Lord is the best and surest way of establishing the heart. 

But not so for those who choose not to fear God: "The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing." (v.10) The saints happiness is to be  envied by the wicked, and their (wicked) desires will die with them, for they were wholly worldly, therefore when these perish, their joy is wiped out and is gone.

The author of Psalm 112 has made an excellent case as to why we are far better off to reverently fear God, which makes me wonder why many don't! Is it that they don't know, or simply don't care? Is the world and all it has to offer them that much more precious at this moment?

But, then I had to also ask myself :

_ Knowing all I know now, am I still chasing after the things of this world at times? Am I like Lot's wife where I tend to look back to the things of this world rather than consider myself dead to this world and sold out to Christ? 

_ Are other relationships more important to me than my relationship with the Lord? Have I placed others before Him? 

_ Am I shining a light for others to see and bringing others to a saving knowledge of our Lord? 

_ Have I forsaken all and wholly following Him each day? Am I storing up treasures in heaven rather than here on earth?

Let's pray:

O Father, You are awesome and mighty and  I pray that You might enable me to have such a grand vision of You that I might fear You, that I might tremble in Your presence. Help me to see that You’re not merely a Redeemer but also a Judge; not merely a God of love, but also of holiness. Help me to set you in Your rightful place in my life and heart. I ask that in my heart the things of this world will pale in comparison in all I've been promised because of all Your Son has done on my behalf. I pray that all I say and do would be pleasing in Your sight and bring you honor and glory You are worthy of. 

I also want to pray for _____ and ask that they might fear You just as a son or daughter fears a Father who both loves and disciplines—a Father who extends mercy but also judges. Above all, may they fear You because they love You and desire to seek to please You through Jesus Christ. May this fear of the Lord keep them running hard towards You and away from the things of this world. In Jesus name, Amen,

Blessing, 

Sue