Psalm 37 is attributed to
David, who knew what it was like to be hunted down, persecuted, and hated. From
before David was ever crowned as King, his predecessor, King Saul, the first
King of Israel, sought to kill him. Despite the fact that Saul was in pursuit of
David’s life, David refrained from seeking vengeance upon Saul. He had more
than one opportunity to kill Saul, but David would not do it.
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away." (Psalm 37:1-2 NIV)
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away." (Psalm 37:1-2 NIV)
In Psalm 37:7-8 we read, "Be
still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed
in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and
turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil." (Psalm 37:7
NIV)
When we give anger and rage a
foothold in our life, then absolutely nothing good is going to come from it.
God counsels us to resist the urge to burn with anger. "Trust in the LORD and
do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." (Psalm 37:3
NIV)
"Trust" is not a mere emotion
or simply a trite word spoken, but a conscious act of the will. Trust is
placing our absolute confidence in our Living Lord, regardless of the situation
at hand or the lack of evidence. Many are those who have gone before us who
have wrestled with the question of being beaten down by the enemy. We can trust
in God. He is faithful. He has always been faithful to those who were under
attack and cried out to Him for comfort and strength in the midst of their hurt
and fear.
We can also make our home in
this land and feel safe in the Father’s arms. That really is the meaning of the
second half of this verse where the Psalmist says, "Dwell in the land and enjoy
safe pasture." The Hebrew word for "dwell" means, "to reside, to rest, to
dwell, to settle down, or to abide." There is no safe place outside of the
Father’s arms. Even in the Father’s arms storms will roar, towers will topple,
and blood will be shed, but He will keep us and hold us into eternity.
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." (Psalm 37:7 NIV)
Our Risen Lord counsels us to be "still" before His presence when catastrophe comes upon us.
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." (Psalm 37:7 NIV)
Our Risen Lord counsels us to be "still" before His presence when catastrophe comes upon us.
In Christ,
Brown
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