March 6: Psalm 49; Why should I Fear?

             Psalm 49 addresses many of the fears that we have today. “Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth

and boast of the abundance of their riches?” (Ps 49:5-6). Doesn’t this sound just like the world around us today? Politicians, who for the most part, are much wealthier than we are, claim to want to do what is right for the country, but they can’t agree so they do little or get nothing done. How about the prophecy from Paul?

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Tim 3:1-5)

            If these things cause anxiety, worry, or fear then you need to read all of Psalm 49 and consider that when evil people do evil things, that isn’t the end of it. If all we see is this life and the hopelessness of it, then we have our eyes on the wrong things. Evil people will die, just like we will (Ps 49:10). All their pomp, their hopes, their dreams, and desires to rule and control others will perish and they will descend into Sheol (Ps 49:12-14).

            We may have to suffer under some of these injustices, but our hope is on something greater and that is why we don’t need to fear. We know that our souls have been ransomed from death (Ps 49:16) by the Lord Jesus. We will live forever while the wicked will perish in hell forever (Ps 49:19-20). Jesus confirmed this when he said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:28).

            One other thing, if you are feeling anxious about all the garbage going on in the world, stop listening to talk radio or TV where the pundits are paid to raise your ire so that you will keep listening to them. Find Christian music or good preaching. Read and study your Bible more. Replace all those anxious thoughts with prayer and good thoughts like the blessings we have. See Philippians 4:6-9 for the remedy to anxiety, fear, and worry. Seek first God (Matt 6:33).