None of us likes to receive bad news. Our human nature can’t seem to cope with it. Some cry. Others get angry. Sadly, some turn to drugs, alcohol, or another vice. And in many cases, people are so distraught by the situation, they see no way out and end their lives prematurely. Yes, bad news can have detrimental effects on us, but according to God’s Word, it doesn’t have to.

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. - Psalm 112:7-8

Imagine not being afraid of evil tidings (aka, bad news). Never fearing the dreaded “C” word from the doctor. Never worrying about the phone call telling you a loved one has passed away. Never anxious about a car accident, financial crash, or worldwide virus. How is that possible? The rest of the passage explains it.

Verse 7 says, “his heart is fixed, trusting the Lord.” The word “fixed” means secure, steadfast, established, or prepared. This man doesn’t fear bad news because his faith is firmly established in Christ. He trusts God fully. His feet are securely planted on the Solid Rock, and he shall not be shaken no matter what comes.

Sounds like a tall order, doesn’t it? After all, it’s one thing to say we trust God but quite another to actually mean it. While many of us want to trust God completely, the truth is, we can’t seem to let go of our illusion of control. And that, my friends, is why I’m so thankful for verse 8.

On the surface, the first part of verse 8 sounds like it’s simply restating verse 7, where the psalmist claimed, “His heart is fixed.” Verse 8 uses the word “established,” and while “fixed” can be defined as “established,” the opposite is not valid in this case. Confused? Yeah , I was too, but let me explain.

The meaning of the word “established” in verse 8 is this: supported, sustained, or borne up. It bears the connotation of something that is resting on something else. It teaches us that this establishment is something that happens to us, not by us.

The only reason our hearts can be “fixed” is because we’re not the ones doing the fixing. God is! Our hearts can be steadfast and secure because God is supporting them. That is how we can remain calm and even enjoy peace during difficult circumstances or bad news. While war rages around the world and financial ruin threatens to destroy us, we can rest in God’s embrace, knowing He is holding us up and keeping us secure. Even when our faith wavers, His grip on us doesn’t.

Let’s allow this good news to outshine any bad news that may greet us today.