As I listened to the sermon last Sunday, I couldn’t help but relate the topic to the current state of the world, as we see it through the lens of social media and new stations. The constant barrage of information that is presented from a secular view can, at times, make it feel like living a godly life in the present day is impossible and, by the world’s standards, unacceptable. Standing on morality, even when challenging, used to be what set you apart. Now, it seems to be what shuns you and makes you the recipient of harsh words and insults.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.
— Psalm 112:1–5

In preschool each week, we learn and practice a memory verse of the month with our littlest ones. Before we recite it, we say, and they answer as follows:

Where do these words come from? The Bible!

What do we know about the Bible? The Bible is true, and the Bible is right!

Whose words are in the Bible? God’s words!

Can you believe those words? Yes!

We can believe every word because they are God’s words for us, and they teach us how to live our lives. As I read the opening lines of Psalm 112, I can’t help but think that it really is that simple! Just like we tell the preschoolers, we can find both comforting and courageous words to face the world around us right there. The Psalm reminds us that we do not have to be scared of the phrase fear the Lord. Instead, blessings, protection, and abundance come from that fear. Living in the shadow of God’s protective wings gives the perfect place to live in joy and find freedom in that joy. God’s commands are the true and right words that he has given us to live by.

Reflecting on this lesson from the Psalms reminds me that Jesus is at the heart of that joy for us. He lived the perfect example of these words that were written long before his birth. He was good. He was generous. He was loving and kind. He took care of the poor and healed the sick. He made friends with those who had no friends. He loved the sinner, in spite of the sin. He was the light in the dark world, and he asks us to be the same. He wants us to take our light out into the dark world we live in and set the example for a godly life to those around us. Finding our joy in whatever comes our way shows the world that there is a Savior who loves them, seeks them, fights for them, carries the burden for them, and that joy is free and available to them as well. They should know us by our love. They should know us by our joy. They should want what we have in all circumstances. They should see God’s light shining through us, no matter what the world tells us to do. It is the legacy of faith for the next generation, and it is up to us to pass on the desire for and the example of a godly life.