Psalms of Summer : Psalm 112 (part 2)

No Fear of Bad News: Why the Righteous Can Live with Steadfast Confidence

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” — Psalm 112:7

In a world driven by headlines, alerts, and fear-based updates, Psalm 112 gives us a powerful promise:

The righteous have no reason to fear.

They don’t live in denial.
They don’t avoid the reality of pain.
They simply live anchored in a deeper truth—that God is present, in control, and faithful through it all.

If you've ever struggled with anxiety, fear of the unknown, or emotional instability in uncertain times, this passage is for you.

1. Freedom from Fear Is a Mark of the Righteous

“They will have no fear of bad news…” — Psalm 112:7

Let’s be clear: the psalmist isn’t saying that bad news won’t come.

He’s saying it won’t shake the righteous.

The people of God aren’t gluttons for punishment. We’re not naive or emotionally numb. But we don’t crumble at every headline or hardship, because our eyes are fixed on something higher.

When your heart is anchored in the fear of the Lord, you stop living in fear of everything else.

2. What Does a Steadfast Heart Look Like?

“…Their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” — Psalm 112:7

A steadfast heart is confident—not in itself, but in the One who holds everything together.

• It looks to the hills and knows help is coming (Psalm 121).

• It remembers that God is a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46).

• It is not thrown off by temporary trouble, because it trusts in eternal truth.

A person with a steadfast heart repeats the promises of God louder than the problems of the world.

3. What Does a Secure Heart Feel Like?

“Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear…” — Psalm 112:8

This is a different level of peace.

A secure heart doesn’t just survive storms—it stays settled in the middle of them.

• It rejects anxiety, even when there’s plenty to worry about.

• It chooses rest, even when the world says “panic.”

• It believes that God sees every need, every heartbreak, every tear.

You don’t have to chase security when you know the God who gives it freely.

4. Generosity and Honor: The Fruit of a Fearless Life

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.” — Psalm 112:9

When fear is gone, generosity flows.

Righteous people aren’t controlled by scarcity or self-preservation. They give. They serve. They scatter seeds of compassion because they know their source is eternal.

And what does God do?

“Their horn will be lifted high in honor.”

In Scripture, the horn symbolizes strength, dignity, and divine elevation. When you live righteously—walking in the fear of the Lord, anchored in generosity—God Himself lifts you up.

5. The Righteous vs. The Wicked: Two Different Endings

“The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.” — Psalm 112:10

There’s a stark contrast in the end:

• The righteous: vindicated, remembered, honored.

• The wicked: angry, frustrated, forgotten.

While the righteous live in peace and purpose, the wicked chase achievement, recognition, and riches that ultimately amount to nothing.

Their efforts are rooted in pride and opposition—but God always has the final word.

Final Word: You Can Live Without Fear

The promise of Psalm 112 is simple but profound:

“They will have no fear of bad news.”

If you’re a follower of Jesus, you don’t have to be defined by dread.

• Your heart can be steadfast.

• Your mind can be secure.

• Your future can be generous and honored.

Because your hope isn’t in the headlines. Your hope is in the Lord.