Sunflowers or Cockroaches

(Psa 112:4 KJV)  Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

(Proverbs 21 also read)

“Light” (216) and “darkness” (2822).  Is this talking about our situation or an inner sense?  The cure for darkness is light.  The relief for darkness in our soul is the source of all light, God Himself.  John tells us the God is light.  There are very few things that can grow or prosper in darkness.  We are no different.

We take light for granted.  Light can kill germs and speed healing.  Light is a key element in photosynthesis.  Light is necessary for us to see.  

This is a promise for the “upright” (3477).  It is a promise that only the upright would be interested in.  The rest are like the cockroaches that scramble for the shadows when you turn on the lights.  This is a promise for those who chose to follow in God’s ways.

So?  Be like a sunflower that turns to the light rather than a bug that runs from it. 

Form a Square

(Psa 112:7 KJV)  He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

There are mornings where I don’t want to look to see what has happened over the last day.  It seems like every time I try to check out news things get worse.  At times like that I need to remind myself that I fear the Lord as it says in verse 1, not the morning “tidings” (8052).

That makes it possible to remain “steadfast” (3559) in the midst of any bad news.  The two translations I focus on give good nuance to this word.  It has the idea of steady.  It doesn’t necessarily mean charging ahead.  This is the resolve of the Roman legionnaire standing shield to shield before a horde of charging Germans.  It is the British square as Napoleon’s cavalry charges.  There is a confidence that resists the attacks of the enemy.

So?  Focus on whom you trust.  Triumph depends on His strength, not ours.