We face a plague of bad news and reports that could easily crush the spirit. This morning I woke to images of the last US soldier to leave Afghanistan and considered what that meant for the people left under Taliban control. The pandemic is raging, and there are reports of the discovery of yet another new variant. I have nearly turned off all my social media because the constant intake of divisiveness and anger is overwhelming. Everywhere we turn our attention today, we are confronted with bad news, arguments, and outrage.

I believe we have a responsibility to be aware and informed of what is going on in the world today. But even more importantly, we must manage the intake of that information. There is a correct posture for hearing and discerning the times in which we live. That posture begins with the fear of the Lord, a conscious awareness that He is in charge and His will is being done even in the darkness of the events that surround us.

They will have no fear of bad news;

their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Psalms 112:7 (NIV)

Many today are overcome by the news around us. The bad news of politics, war, disease, divisions, and more has struck them and changed them. Many do not even realize they are being impacted by the events and information swirling all around us. Personalities are shifting. Relationships are withering. What were once unacceptable discourses of vitriol are now common interactions. Anger and frustration abound all around us.

But the righteous, those who walk in the fear and knowledge of God, pursue a different course. They do not fear for the future. They are not concerned about being consumed by the bad news and darkness of the times.

Praise the LORD.

Blessed are those who fear the LORD,

who find great delight in his commands.

Their children will be mighty in the land;

the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Psalms 112:1-2 (NIV)

While the world rages around them, the righteous prioritize the ways and the Word of God. These are not the days of destruction and decline but of purpose, redemption, and the fulfillment of God’s Word.

Wealth and riches are in their houses,

and their righteousness endures forever.

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,

for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,

who conduct their affairs with justice.

Psalms 112:3-5 (NIV)

Among the righteous, there is a priority not in politics or debates but in righteousness, justice, and compassion. They know what is right but also show grace and compassion upon those ignorantly led astray. Their perspectives and opinions are not the priority, but the will of God holds that place alone. In the day of darkness, the righteous become standards of light in the land.

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;

in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

Psalms 112:6-8 (NIV)

The bad news and the darkness of our times are significant, but it does not hold the power to crush those who fear God.