Those who fear God are blessed

“Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.” (Psalms 112:1 NIV)

This psalm opens with several thoughts which are worthy of consideration. The psalm opens with “Praise the Lord” – isn’t this what our lives should be about? Shouldn’t this be the thought that reflects every aspect of how we live? We live to praise our God.

Those who serve God are blessed if they fear him. This word ‘fear’ causes us to think. We realise that we are not to live in deathly fear of God but are to love him and perfect love drives out fear (see 1 John 4:17-19). So what did the psalmist mean?

When we look up the word for ‘fear’ we discover this Hebrew word can mean ‘afraid’ but it means so much more. It has the idea of revere, honour and respect, to hold someone or something in awe. Although the Hebrew word literally means ‘fear’ some translations have tried to emphasise these other aspects. “How blessed is the one who obeys the Lord” (NET).“Those who honour the Lord…are truly happy!” (CEB). “Happy are those who respect the Lord” (NCV). When we look at all of these together we get the sense of what is meant: those who honour, respect and obey God will be blessed.

This person not only respects and obeys God but they find pleasure in this! They take “great delight” in what he has asked us to do. Isn’t that the way it should be? Sometimes we may not like the idea of being told what to do. Yet when we examine why God has told us to live a certain way we discover it makes sense and it gives us the best life possible. By knowing more about God and why he wants us to live a certain way we understand it and can find great delight in what he has told us.

There are blessings for the obedient (see Psalms 112:2-5). The psalmist talks about their children being blessed, their having good lives based on righteousness that will live forever. Living God’s way of being gracious, compassionate and righteous brings its own blessings that are like living in perpetual light. When we are generous and willing to help others we find that others also do this for us. Living in obedience to God makes sense in every way.

“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered for ever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord . Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures for ever; their horn will be lifted high in honour. The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.” (Psalms 112:6-10)

What a contrast of two ways of life. The righteous, those who obey God, are grounded in a way that nothing will shake them – and they will be remembered for it. They don’t worry what bad news might come because they trust in God. Have you seen those without faith in God who worry about everything that happens in the world? The psalmist describes them as being worried and wasting away, their desires coming to nothing.

God’s people don’t need to be this way because we realise who really is in control. Those following God aren’t worried about this life because they are prepared for eternal life. Even the worst thing that could happen is nothing to worry about as long as we are grounded in God.

“Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.”

Praise the Lord!

Image by Malachi Cowie from pixels.com. Free for use.

Readings for next week: Psalms 106-115