Psalm 112: Formation From Fearing the Lord

​Key Verse
7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid…
 
Meditation
The wise person will praise God for His covenant blessings to those who fear Him. 
 
Today’s Psalm of wisdom begins with a call to worship, “Praise the Lord! (literally, Hallelujah!)” before unfolding a portrait of the person who “fears the Lord.”  Fearing the Lord shapes a person's inner life (vv. 1, 7, 8), directs their outward conduct (vv. 4, 5, 9), and results in abundant covenant blessings (vv. 2, 3, 6, 7, 9).  
 
The way of the wicked perishes (v. 10), but the promise for those who fear the Lord are “forever” (vv. 3, 6, 9). Specifically, the righteousness of those who fear the Lord will endure forever (vv. 3, 9), never being moved in the present and leaving generational impact after parting in death (v. 6). 
 
How do you know if you are presently on the path of wisdom and fearing the Lord? Those who fear the Lord:
     - delight in God’s word (v. 1),
     -trust in the Lord (v. 7), and
      - live with generosity towards the poor (v. 9).
 
Psalm 112 points to Jesus who is Himself the treasury of wisdom (Colossians 2:3). Jesus perished in death, condemned as wicked, so those of us who delight and trust in things other than the Lord can be forgiven and freed to walk in wisdom. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord for His mercy! May viewing God’s mercy in Christ mold God’s character in us, shaping our conduct as we celebrate the covenant promises of God that are all “Yes!” in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).
 
Today’s Reading
Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
    who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
    the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
    he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
    who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved;
    he will be remembered forever.
7 He is not afraid of bad news;
    his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
    until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever;
    his horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked man sees it and is angry;
    he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
    the desire of the wicked will perish!
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you from today’s reading, especially the contrast of the temporary nature of the wicked and forever promises for those who fear the Lord?
 
-What is it you delight and trust in? Do you live generously, especially towards the poor? What does this reveal about your heart?
 
-How does the work of Jesus compel you to walk in wisdom, fearing the Lord? Where, specifically, do you need to embrace this realiy?
 
Key Verse
7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid…