Psalm 37:1-5
“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”
This psalm begins with fretting but quickly moves to a place of intentional trust. It’s as if the author, King David, is saying, “Don’t give up! You have followed God closely up to this point. Why would you consider compromising now? His plans for you have not changed.”
Trust is the best position that you and I can arise from as each day begins and
the place of greatest security when we retire at night.
The temptation is to worry and miscalculate God’s intentions, but don’t let your unanswered or nagging questions derail you. When everything seems out of step, and nothing appears to be working out the way you think it should, God’s plan is still marching onward for your benefit.
The psalmist’s call to be patient and calm of heart can seem unreasonably difficult in these times of trouble and turmoil, strife and mayhem, which is why I am glad he doesn’t leave us in the dark about how to get where God is bidding us. Obedience to God’s command to feed on His faithfulness and delight ourselves in Him while committing all into His capable hands ensures we will make good progress even when it seems it’s at a snail’s pace.
There are other imperatives in this psalm of encouragement, but if we only practiced those I mentioned, I believe our hearts would be lighter, our steps surer, and we would be all the happier for it.
Awaiting His return,
– Pastor Jack