Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me? (Psalm 49:5)
In the previous verse, the psalmist spoke of the need to listen intently “to a proverb” and then, presumably, reveal what is learned through music made upon his harp. Apparently, this particular verse discloses what he had been meditating upon and what he had concluded — “Why should I fear in the days of evil?” It would seem that the psalmist, like so many of us, was troubled about a matter and attempted to resolve it by turning to music; not just any music but song inspired by the Spirit and Word of God.
It is so easy for us to be burdened with anxiety, fear and self doubt — and that is on the best days. In this world there are so many known and unknown dangers that, if we are not careful, we can allow our mind to be overwhelmed with it all and, consequently, immerse ourselves in the pit of despair. If we don’t resist this inclination, the smallest threat of evil can be quickly magnified many times over. What was a small matter can rapidly become a mountain too big and steep to climb — at least from our perspective.
But something happens when we abandon this most natural of inclinations and do what defies human logic and understanding — express our trust and reliance upon God through prayer and songs of praise. If Biblical history teaches us anything, it reveals to us that God’s people can move the heart of God through songs of adoration. Praise and thanksgiving seems to be the very thing that prompts God to go to war on our behalf, and if the Lord is for us, who can be against us? This is going to be an important truth to hold onto in the days ahead because, as we approach the return of the King, the days are going to grow darker and more evil. Nevertheless, even if iniquity surrounds me, “why should I fear in the days of evil?” I should not — and I will not.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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