Bad News

 It is something most of us have experienced at some point in our lives. Bad news.

There's a verse in the Bible I used to read over quickly because I didn't like the words bad news. Bad news, meaning, your health has deteriorated; family is suffering in some way; losing a job or struggling in business; financial pressures; culture's ways; politics; anxiety; death or grief. I'm sure I left something out. Everyday has so much going on right now that we could fear all the bad news.

The verse I hurriedly passed over is about the Christian, (they) "will have no fear of bad news" (evil tidings, fear or dread of what may come). Why should they not fear? "Because their heart is steadfast", (firm, secure) "trusting," (confidently relying on and believing) "in the LORD" (Psalm 112:7).

For me, it was the telephone call making me aware of the bad news.

So I didn't like reading this verse because the first thing I did when I got the dreaded news, was FEAR! Fear overtook me. Fear for my son and for his life. My mind was a whirlwind trying to process all the scenarios this bad news could possibly mean, because at the time I received it, so much was unknown.

How can someone be calm in fearful circumstances? Does this mean my heart wasn't steadfast and trusting in the Lord?

My sisters and nieces have a saying about us: when hearing some dreaded news or news we are not even sure at the time whether it is bad or not, the first thing we do is PANIC! Then we settle down and start thinking about it rationally. But the fear and panic come first.

F.B. Meyer said about this verse, "There cannot be evil tidings to the soul which has fixed its trust in the Lord....if tidings were to come to you to-day of disease, loss, bereavement, death, they could not be evil if your heart dares to maintain a fixed trust in God; for such trust robs death of its sting, and the grave of its victory. I cannot understand, but I can trust Him." 

"I cannot understand, but I can trust Him." There's so much I don't understand! But I have learned to trust Him in my loss. Now to keep trusting Him in ALL things.

Meyer also said, "As we pour out our bitterness, God pours in His peace." So pouring out our hearts to God is Biblical (Psalm 62:8). Pour out the hurt, sorrow, bitterness and fear. And about that peace, Jesus said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

We are to run to the One who can calm our hearts, even in the midst of horrific turmoil, and hold to His promises of peace, comfort, faithfulness and hope.

Charles Spurgeon wrote a devotion about this one verse. He said, (I'm paraphrasing), if we are distressed by bad news and evil tidings, how are we any different from the non-Christian? A person who is not a Christian is alarmed and in fear when hearing of bad news and thinks God has dealt harshly with them. They are rebellious against God and provoke Him. However, we profess to be of another spirit and we have a hope and our hearts live in heaven. If we give way to our fears when we hear of bad news, we will be unable to meet it in a way that sustains under adversity. He said, if you are a coward, how can you glorify God? Take courage and believe, rely, and have confidence upon God's faithfulness. "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Did you notice both Meyer and Spurgeon spoke of being courageous? Meyer said "if your heart dares," (to be sufficiently courageous), "to maintain a fixed trust in God." Spurgeon said a coward cannot glorify God. This is something I have learned (and still learning), about grieving and why I entitled my third book Great-Hearted. It means, bold, brave, courageous, and.....fearless! The answer to our fears is to run to Jesus. Others run after things of the world that will never satisfy their fear or their longings. Nothing will calm an anxious, despairing, fearful heart like Jesus. He is our comfort and peace in these times and in our personal bad news. Running is ongoing, never ending. For me, it is a daily function. I have to keep my heart steadfast in God's Word and in communication with Him, or I will get discouraged. And how quickly discouragement can come knocking at the door! Beware of discouragement. It is one of Satan's tactics to get at the Christian.

One more quote from Meyer that is a good reminder about calming our fear, "It is tomorrow that fills men with dread. God is there already. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass Him before they can get to us."

Jesus goes before us, walks beside us and leads the way. Trust Him in all your life and fearful circumstances. Be steadfast oh my heart!