Daily Devotions
Psalms
Psalm 49:5a "Why should I fear in the days of evil..."
Day 81 – Psalm 49
“Why should I fear in the days of evil…” Psalm 49:5a
DAYS OF EVIL
The sons of Korah had personal experience of “days of evil”. In Psalm 44, these Levitical priests struggled with negative thoughts that threatened to overwhelm them. Perhaps Psalm 49 was born out of those troublous times! Wisdom was finally obtained and that helped the sons of Korah to write with wisdom how we may face days of evil effectively.
“Why should I fear in the days of evil,
When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?”
Psalm 49:5
ONCE THERE WAS FEAR
There was a time when the sons of Korah struggled deeply with their fears.
1. There was disquiet in the soul (Psalm 42:5a).
2. The soul felt “cast down” (Psalm 42:6).
3. God seemed to have forsaken His servants (Psalm 42:9).
TRIUMPH OVER FEAR
There was now a new and strong spirit against the specter of fear.
1. “Why should I fear in the days of evil…”
a) “Evil days” were recognized
b) Bad times were now accepted as a part of life
c) There was no need to give in to fear!
2. When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me
a) Iniquity abounds because man is so inclined to sin.
b) Iniquity can come very close (“at my heels”).
c) Iniquity can threaten to overwhelm (“surrounds me”).
Nevertheless, the heart that has acquired wisdom will not succumb to feelings of fear!