Day 120: Psalms 111-118

Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
   they will be remembered forever.
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 forever;
   their horn will be lifted high in honor. (112:6-9)

It has been my experience that this passage is true. I've known people, in fact of thinking of a family right now, who seem to be able to roll with whatever life brings their way. They really "have no fear of bad news". I'm not saying they are martyrs or that they enjoy hardship because they don't. But "their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure."

As I read these verses it occurs to me that there's a connection between the security of their hearts mentioned in v.8 and the freely scattering of their gifts referred to in v.9. I don't know which comes first but I'm certain they go together. Isn't it true that the people who worry and fret over stuff the most are also the least generous? Isn't it also true that when our "hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord" we are more apt to give freely to those in need?

Not to us, LORD, not to us
   but to your name be the glory. (115:1)

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
   his love endures forever. (118:29)