Psalm 112 - Obituary

We've been grieving many tragic and unexpected deaths these last few weeks among friends. If you could write your eulogy now and then live it out what would you write? Would you ascribe yourself wealth and fame? Would you want others to describe you as generous, gracious, compassionate, righteous, upright, and fearless? Psalm 112 reminds me of the kind of obituary I would like to achieve in my life. The key to all these benefits is given in verse 1. Blessed is the man who FEARS THE LORD, who finds great DELIGHT IN HIS COMMANDS. From these two things comes a long list of a great life well lived including mighty and blessed children, wealth, riches, fleeting darkness, generosity, justice, no fear of bad news, steadfast heart, security, honor, fame, and righteousness that will endure forever. All these things are gifts you get for following God's ways. They are not earned because our righteousness comes from our belief in Jesus, not by our own merit. And these things are according to God's standards. Generosity doesn't always come out a big pocketbook. You can be poor and still be generous. Not having fear of bad news doesn't mean you won't ever receive bad news. Trusting in the Lord doesn't mean you won't have enemies, but it does promise you will triumph over them in the end. Contrast your life to this psalms description of a life well lived. Examine God's commands and determine if you are following them in your life. Start with the 10 commandments or the greatest commandment, to love God with all your heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. How will you live your life differently today than you did yesterday?