By Toni Ford
I am not sure if you have ever read many of the Psalms, but there are some incredible promises to the believer all throughout this book. Two of these beautiful psalms stood out to me this week, Psalm 111 and 112. Psalm 111 ends by admonishing us to fear the Lord and obey His Word. Psalm 112 picks up where Psalm 111 ends and re-emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord and obeying His precepts.
Some may ask what does it mean to fear the Lord? It doesn’t mean to be afraid of the Lord, as many would describe fear, but rather to be in awe of God, to recognize His holiness and righteousness, which leads us to an awe and wonder of who God is! Psalm 33:8 says, “Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.” Psalm 99:5 says, “Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!”
As you continue to read in Psalm 112, one will see the blessings that come to those who fear Him and obey His Word. Before the Psalmist describes the blessings, he first reminds the believer that godly character alone does not protect us from pain and trials but it does enable us to use those trials to glorify the Lord and to grow in grace.
I believe that some of you today need to be encouraged and reminded of the blessings that our Lord promises to pour out upon you and your generation as a result of your obedience to Him.
Here are just a few of the blessings mentioned in this Psalm, and I encourage you to read these aloud, placing your name after each “you.” I am confident that as you do this, you will sense an even greater power of His Words over your life!
* You will not fear bad news but instead you will confidently trust the Lord to care for you and those you love (verse 7).
* You are confident and fearless, facing your enemies triumphantly (verse 8).
* You share and give generously to those in need (verse 9).
* Your good deeds will be remembered forever (verse 9). You will leave a legacy that will always be remembered.
* You will have influence and honor (verse 9).
In closing, I would like to leave you with this thought: The greatest reward of a faithful life of obedience is to become more like Christ. We want more than the blessings; we want to be like the One who gives the blessings!