We’re all accustomed to giving God thanks and praise for all the ways in which He has blessed us. But how often do we think about the blessing that comes from faith itself? For we cannot doubt that those who love and trust the Lord Jesus, those who delight in following His perfect Law of love for God and man, tend to receive rich rewards in this life.

In fact, the psalmist insists that those who fear the Lord will be blessed with children (verse 2). They will prosper materially and grow in their relationship with God (verse 3). They will walk in the light of understanding instead of remaining in the darkness of ignorance (verse 4). Their reputation for both holiness and generosity will grow (verses 4-6).

And we cannot doubt that these things are true, especially on the cultural level. Places like Scotland and Switzerland that were heavily impacted by the Protestant Reformation still tend to be relatively prosperous and safe places to live: respecting the rule of law and acknowledging the value of hard work are indispensable elements of any healthy society.

This can even be demonstrated by the history of this area. According to the Southwestern Presbyterian, before Rev. Zebulon Butler moved the Bayou Pierre congregation to Port Gibson in 1828, “The general tone of public sentiment was unfavorable to piety. Dissipation abounded.” But J.I. Ingraham, a self-described “Yankee” travelling through the south, made this observation just a few years later:

“The citizens were once distinguished for their dissipation, if not profligacy; but they are now more distinguished for their intelligence and morality as a community. There is no town in the south which possesses so high a standard of morals as Port Gibson. This reformation is the result of the evangelical labours of the Presbyterian clergyman of that place; who, with untiring industry and uncommon energy, combined with sterling piety, in a very few years performed the work and produced the effect of an age.”

So even as our culture is in obvious decline, let us continue to give thanks for the heritage of faith we enjoy, a heritage that has made such a beneficial impact on our society. And let us continue to trust in Jesus with steadfast hearts, not fearing the worst news that our worst enemies may being (verses 7 and 8). And as we seek to love and care for others (verse 9), may they also come to enjoy the blessings that only flow from faith in Christ.

Psalm 112 (NASB)

Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments.
2 His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.
4 Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment.
6 For he will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever.
7 He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is upheld, he will not fear, Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.
9 He has given freely to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted in honor.
10 The wicked will see it and be vexed; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked will perish.