Psalm 112:1, 4-5, 7 (NIV)

Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 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. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

I was listening to a podcast recently from a great church in San Francisco (yes, there are a few there!) that was a discussion between two pastors entitled, “Slowing Down in Community.” As they discussed a biblical model for how we as Christ followers should slow down a little to enjoy our Christian community, the main pastor asked his guest for a one-word description of how Jesus probably came across to the people who were around him the most during his earthly ministry. How would they describe his general disposition? His answer was as simple as it was profound:

Relaxed.

I love that answer. Sure, there were times when Jesus got mad, grieved, wept, showed frustration, and even despair…but in general and overall? I can see how most could see him as relaxed. Psalm 112 gives us a glimpse into the life of one who is moving more and more towards Christlikeness—fearing the Lord, delighting in his commands, being compassionate, generous, and just. In Philippians, Paul exhorts us towards this “righteous relaxation” when he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:4-7). Sounds like a pretty relaxed way to live, doesn’t it?

Verse four is particularly helpful for any Christian facing difficult days on this earth, which sooner or later will happen to every one of us. “Even in darkness light shines for the upright…” Spurgeon captured this reality beautifully when he wrote, “It is as ordinary for the righteous to be comforted as for the day to dawn. Wait for the light and it will surely come; for even if our heavenly Father should in our last hours put us to bed in the dark, we shall find it morning when we awake.” We can see this example throughout Jesus’ life. The storm raged around the boat…but Jesus slept comfortably in the bow. He wept over Lazarus’ death…but then raised him. He endured death on the cross…but then walked out of the grave. Peter denied His very existence three times…but then became the leader of the early church. Paul persecuted His bride…but then became the most prolific evangelist of all the Disciples. Our light amidst the darkness is assured. It’s not a matter of IF, but of WHEN.

Finally, are you waiting for the other shoe to drop? Afraid of the bad news that is most likely headed your way? Whatever it is, it is temporary, and not beyond the reach of God’s grace, mercy, and provision. Romans 8:28 was written within the context of bad news and assures us that whatever IT is, He will use it to bring us that much closer to Christ, and Christlikeness. Once again, Spurgeon captures a bit of this “relaxed” lifestyle when, commenting on Psalm 112:7, he wrote, “He shall have no dread that evil tidings will come, and he shall not be alarmed when they do come. His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. He is neither fickle nor cowardly; when he is undecided as to his course he is still fixed in heart: he may change his plan, but not the purpose of his soul. His heart being fixed in solid reliance upon God, a change in his circumstances but slightly affects him; faith has made him firm and steadfast, and therefore if the worst should come to the worst, he would remain quiet and patient, waiting for the salvation of God.”

In a word…Relaxed.