“Do not fret—it only causes harm.” Psalm 37:8b

I hope last week’s break was great for you and your family. My family and I did something a bit unusual in that we took a “stay-cation” (a vacation at home). I turned off my cell phone, and the computer and took a break from the hectic schedule I have been working lately. It was great! Basically it was a week of Saturdays. I worked mainly in my yard and on our house. While pulling weeds, and cleaning gutters, I found myself musing over Psalm 37. If you are in need of encouragement, I would point you to Psalm 37. If you are in the place where you are feeling the compulsion to conform, or the temptation to compare yourself with others, or facing some kind of crisis or tough decision then you most likely could benefit from reading and digesting Psalm 37. David brings sound teaching and perspective that helps one to avoid the mistakes of reactionary thinking and decisions.

“Trust in the Lord and do good” (v.3). How great it is to reaffirm God’s sovereignty, recognizing that He is in control. There is nothing beyond His ability, and we need to do what is right despite what others do and or say.

“Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness” (v.3). Cultivate a faithful practice of spending time with God. It is in knowing God more deeply that we can face the difficult times with victory. We need to know His character so well that we will not allow the circumstances around us to confuse our thinking. Refuse to move quickly through your relationship with Him. It is when we spend time waiting upon the Lord that we find renewed strength, courage, and vision. He alone is the one who can feed us with the food that will satisfy (John 4).

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (v.4). Make God a priority in your life. Seek His values, and the promise is that He will reward and satisfy you in the end.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (v.5—6). We are charged to confide and depend upon God. When we do this, we can trust that He is in control of the results.

“Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when others succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (v.7). Essentially, it is when we are quiet and patient in the Lord’s presence that we can gain a healthy perspective. When we fret, or compare, it often can lead to inappropriate motivation or action.

Lastly, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth” (v.8—9). So often anger is not dealt with correctly and it leads to offense. When not worked out anger leads to undesirable results. Place your hope in God trusting that in His time, He will guide and use your decisions.

I hope you find this helpful. May you find encouragement when you wait upon the Lord.
Thanks for reading!