Have you ever been asked, “Which do you want first, the good news or the bad?”  None of us wants to hear bad news.  We want lives free from discord.  We want a world where nothing happens but that which continually enhances our smiles.  The only tears we want to cry are tears of joy.  We want relationships that do nothing but bring happiness and laughter to our lives.  As children, we want parents to do whatever we ask; and as parents we want children to do the same.  The reality, however, is never quite so neat.

It seems like some part of everyday is met with bad news.  Whether it is earthquakes in diverse places; or war deaths on foreign soil; or a flat tire when you are already late for work; or a leaking roof; or a delayed flight; or a suspended child, life inevitably comes with its share of bad news.  The question is not how do we avoid the bad news, the question is how do we respond to it.  What will be our response to the next time we hear bad news?

This morning I read a most encouraging and even challenging word from God.  In Psalm 112:5-7 God says:

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.  For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.  He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.

The proper response to bad news is a heart that is firmly trusting in the Lord.  This is the result of a person who deals righteously with people and seeks the honor of God at all times.  This is possible because the person knows that the bad news, just like the good news, ultimately comes from God and if I can trust and praise Him in the good news, I can do the same in the bad.

Today you may be faced with some bad news.  You may have faced it last night. I want to commend to you the trust of the Lord.  Fear not the bad news.  No matter how bad the news, the good news, even the gospel of Jesus Christ, is always greater still.