Psalm 112:8-9 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor. New International Version (NIV)
As I read this verse this morning I was reminded of Joseph in Genesis, who definitely went through ups and downs, trials and tribulations, but through it all his heart and his trust remained sure in God. You may think of David and others in the Old Testament or possibly the apostles Paul and Peter in the New Testament. Whether shipwrecked, in prison and facing possible execution, their hearts were secure.
Skimming through other translations of this same verse, instead of secure you will find "established", "upheld", "maintained", "steady", and "confident" to name a few. And when you consider those of faith in Hebrews 11 for example, you will find that they were lifted in honor and they looked to that end which has no end, an eternity with the God of their hearts who had adopted them and redeemed them and paid the price for them. Their hearts were content in Him.
If you have some time in the coming days, take some time to read through the story of Joseph in Genesis 39 -45. See how he faced ups and downs but see how he had faith and was encouraged by knowing that he was in right standing before God and that when it came down to it "the Lord was with him; and whatever he did,the Lord made it prosper." Genesis 39:23.
Joseph, Paul and Peter were all jailed at one time or another. All knew what it was like to be redeemed, to be ransomed to have the price paid. I'm reminded of the old chorus that we used to sing when I was a child. The line that came to my mind was "and the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came." Jesus won't delay, He'll meet you where you are and set you free.
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)
When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)
My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)
Born of the Spirit with life from above into God's family divine,
Justified fully thru Calvary's love, O what a standing is mine!
And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came,
Took of the offer, of grace He did proffer, He saved me, O praise His dear name!
Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies, The Message
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Psalm 112:8-10The Message (MSG)
112 1-10 Hallelujah!
Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear God,
Who cherish and relish his commandments,
Their children robust on the earth,
And the homes of the upright—how blessed!
Their houses brim with wealth
And a generosity that never runs dry.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people—
God's grace and mercy and justice!
The good person is generous and lends lavishly;
No shuffling or stumbling around for this one,
But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation.
Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,
They lavish gifts on the poor—
A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.
An honored life! A beautiful life!
Someone wicked takes one look and rages,
Blusters away but ends up speechless.
There's nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.
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