Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Psalm 37:1-9 (NRSV)

Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For the wicked shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.

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Reflect

The assurances of psalm are so comforting. The psalmist tells us not to fret. About what do you fret? What would enable you to put aside your fretting?

Rather than spending our energy fretting about things, we are to have patience and commit our ways to God, which means that we trust God. What does it mean to you to trust someone? When we trust someone, we know that the person will do as promised and that we need worry about it no longer. If we can trust a person, how much more we should be willing to trust God, believing that God will provide the security we need.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God. Do not fret! Those who wait on the Lord will inherit the promises of the Lord. Isn’t it nice that the Lord repeats: “Do not fret”? I know I have spent too much time fretting and worrying about things that I cannot change, but God gives us a list of things to do instead.

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Pray

Dear Lord, help me to keep your words “Do not fret” in my heart. Help me to remember instead to trust in you, to spend my time doing good. I wish to delight in you and reap the rewards you promise. Help me to be still before you and wait on you instead of trying to “fix” things myself. Your way is always better. Thank you for loving me and teaching me your will for my life. Amen.

Go with God.