Psalm 49:5 Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, when the sinful deeds of deceptive men threaten to overwhelm me?
This is God’s promise – not that everything turns out good here, but after we taste of death. This can be a hard pill to swallow, but there is no other hope. Psalm 49 reorients our hearts towards God’s promises in times of trouble. It outlines God’s justice (our hope) in this way:
Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, when the sinful deeds of deceptive men threaten to overwhelm me? They trust in their wealth and boast in their riches. Surely a man cannot rescue his own brother, he cannot pay God an adequate ransom so he might live forever and not experience death. Even wise people die. Fools and those who are arrogant all pass away!
This is the destiny of fools and all who agree with their philosophy. They will travel to the abyss like sheep, with death as their shepherd. The godly will rule over them when the day of eternal vindication comes. The abyss will consume their bodies and they will no longer dwell in impressive homes. But God will rescue my life from the power of the abyss. Surely He will put me in a safe place. (Psalm 49:5-15)
I believe we live in troubling times. Love and respect are not increasing; instead, love is growing cold. We must therefore guard our hearts against fear, anger, and hate. The Psalmist writes that we should put our hope in God’s goodness and faithfulness. The vengeance of humans doesn’t accomplish God’s righteousness nor is man’s wrath as powerful as God’s vindication of those who trust in His promises. The godless will be led as sheep by death into the abyss, but those who trust in God will rule over them. No matter what comes, do not fear and do not hate. Promote goodness and righteousness; and trust in God. “Surely He will rescue your life from the power of the abyss.”