We have all experienced bad news. At times, it comes when we least expect it. There are times when we do expect it, and it’s still hard to process. I’ve received bad news at various times in my life, most of which I didn’t expect.

I was having coffee at a friend’s house when I received a call from my husband to come home right away. When I arrived, I discovered he was having a heart attack.

It was the end of the day at work, and I was clearing my desk when my dad called. He told me about a wall being built on the side of his neighbor’s house. He wanted me to come to his house right away. His hallucinations were the beginning of the end for my dad.

My birthday celebration lunch with a friend was disrupted by a phone call telling me about a suicide of my friend and counselee.

Does the bible have anything to say about bad news and how to handle it? Let’s look at Psalm 112:7-8a: “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid.” These verses are written to the righteous ones who believe in God and follow him. As followers of Christ, we know we have been given the righteousness of Jesus. He lived a perfect life, died a perfect death, and rose again for each of his children. He took our sin and shame, giving us his righteousness. So, according to these verses, we are not to be afraid of bad news regardless of when it comes to us. How are we going to do that?

1. Everyday Life is Practice for Receiving Bad News.

We live our lives each day facing many different situations, some good and some bad. The small things we face each day help to prepare us for the big ones to come. As we live, we need to keep in mind, “So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Every part of our life is for God’s glory. If we are practicing this, then receiving the bad news will not cause us to fear. Our heart will know who to trust.

2. Deepen Our Belief in Who God is and What He Has Done.

This requires us to dig into his Word to discover more about his character. God will never be fully known by us because we are not God. We are finite; he is infinite. We are limited; he is all knowing, all powerful, and sovereign. However, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t put forth our best efforts to know him. Once we pursue the knowledge, we can believe what we learn with our whole heart. It will deepen our love for God. Our hearts will be firm in our belief that no matter what bad news comes, God can handle it.

3. The Family of God Plays a Huge Role in How We Handle Bad ews.

As followers of Christ, we are a part of God’s family. This family is to care for one another. When bad news comes, we need our family to come alongside and comfort us. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). One of the greatest gifts I’ve experienced is how people from my church family helped me when the news was bad. We each need to take the time to encourage and comfort. There are always those in our family who are weeping. Take the time to hug, send a card, sit by, run errands, take a meal, or bring a desperately needed coffee to someone who has just received bad news. The news is less fearful when you’re facing it with others.

It would be great to have a number four here that says there will be no trouble. However, Jesus promises us trouble in this world. (John 16:33). That is not good news, but there is good news. WE NEVER FACE BAD NEWS ALONE! “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b). God says this to his children. He doesn’t go anywhere. He walks with us and carries us when we can’t walk. He is good and kind. Jesus is our great high priest who experienced everything we experience yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15). We can trust him because he knows our struggles.

So, bad news? We accept it knowing we are carried in the righteous right hand of God. Our walk may be difficult. Our walk may hurt us. At times, our walk may be a stagger.  This walk is the one ordained for us by God, our Father. He will give us all we need to walk on without fear.