Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:1-7 (NLT)
I am blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law who sends an email most days with news and a Scripture verse, a promise. What could be better than a MIL who reminds you of God’s promises? One day this week she send Psalm 37:3 and I’ve been thinking about that psalm ever since.
The ‘Don’ts’. In the first and last verses here I am told not to focus (worry) about others who seem to be prospering despite their sins. Focusing on others in that way leads to envy and a judgmental attitude. Let God handle those people.
Do Trust and Love what God does. Here is where I am encouraged to focus. It is keeping my eyes on God and His examples and building a trusting relationship with Him. In doing that, I draw closer to God; I learn to know His voice above all others.
Do Receive the ‘fruit’ of a relationship with God. When I focus on God and our relationship grows in trust,God’s promises of what my life can be bears fruit. “Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.†What a promise!
Do Move on God’s Time. Like Peter who said that God always moves at the right time (1 Peter 3:9), the psalmist also tells me to wait on God’s timing. It is again about trust, isn’t it? It is growing so I know that in that stillness that God is getting me ready for His move.
More and more I realize that I must learn to see beyond what my physical sight tells me. I must learn to listen to God more and this world less. It is in God where I can count on truth and joy that means peace no matter what my circumstances. It is Jesus’ example and the Holy Spirit’s guidance that will keep me on the path of “righteousness†or a “right relationship†with God.
I am going to continue to meditate on this psalm in its entirety this weekend and listen to what else God wants to say to me. “Speak, LORD. I am listening!â€
Open the Eyes of my Heart, LORD by Paul Baloche
