September 15

Morning

He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. — Ps 112:7 BSB

Christian, you should not fear bad news. If you are overwhelmed by it, how are you any different from those who do not know God? Others don’t have the same refuge in God that you do, nor have they experienced His faithfulness like you have. It’s no surprise if they are weighed down with anxiety and fear. But you, as a child of God, are meant to be different. You’ve been born again to a living hope, and your heart is set on heavenly things, not on earthly troubles. If you’re just as anxious as they are, what’s the point of the grace you’ve received? Where is the dignity of the new nature you claim to possess?

Moreover, if you let fear take over, you might fall into the same sins as others do in times of trial. The ungodly often rebel against God when bad news comes. They murmur and accuse God of dealing harshly with them. Will you join them in such sin? Will you provoke the Lord as they do? Additionally, when the unconverted face difficulties, they often turn to wrong solutions in their desperation. If you give in to the same fear, you’ll be tempted to do the same.

Instead, trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Follow Moses' example at the Red Sea: “Stand still and see the salvation of God!” If you allow fear to rule you, you’ll lose the calm composure needed to face the trouble and fulfill your duties. How can you glorify God if you act like a coward? The saints have often praised God in the midst of the fire—will your doubting and despair, as if you have no help, bring honor to the Most High? Take courage, and with sure confidence in the faithfulness of your covenant God, let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.

Evening

He has raised up a horn for His people, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, a people near to Him. Hallelujah! — Ps 148:14 BSB

Under the old covenant, the emphasis was on keeping distance from God. When God appeared to Moses, He said, “Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.” And when God revealed Himself on Mount Sinai to His chosen people, one of the first commands was, “Set limits around the mountain.” Throughout the worship of the tabernacle and temple, the concept of distance was always clear. The common people weren’t allowed into the outer courts. Only the priests could enter the inner courts, and even then, only the high priest could enter the holy of holies—and only once a year. It was as if God was teaching the people in those early days that sin was so detestable to Him that even His chosen ones had to be treated like lepers, kept outside the camp. Even when He drew near, the people had to feel the vast separation between a holy God and sinful man.

But when the gospel came, everything changed. The word “Go” was replaced with “Come.” Distance gave way to nearness, and those who were once far off were brought near by the blood of Christ. God, incarnate in Jesus, has no wall of separation around Him. His invitation is, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” No longer does He teach us about sin by keeping us at a distance, but He draws near by bearing our sin Himself.

What an incredible state of safety and privilege we have in being near to God through Jesus! Do you know this nearness in your experience? Are you living in the power of it? It’s a marvelous truth, yet even this closeness will be surpassed when God’s ultimate plan is fulfilled, and it is said, “The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell among them.” Come quickly, Lord!