Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

---

Read

Psalm 37 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Of David.

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.

Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.

But the meek shall inherit the land,
and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.

The wicked plot against the righteous,
and gnash their teeth at them;

but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that their day is coming.

---

Reflect

Adolph Hitler, one of those wicked men whose swords eventually entered their own hearts, caused unthinkable pain and suffering for millions of people. Yet victims like Corrie ten Boom were able to trust in the Lord, do good works, and endure their circumstances. God upheld these righteous victims and shined His light upon them.

In her book Don’t Wrestle, Just Nestle, Corrie states, “Today is yesterday’s tomorrow you worried about, and all is well.” Her positive attitude echoes the advice of the psalmist.

Corrie and her sister tried to stay positive during their imprisonment. When they specifically thanked God for the fleas infesting their barracks, they later learned the fleas had prevented the guards from discovering their hidden Bibles. They remained faithful, and God used their circumstances for good! Even though Corrie was a victim of those who carried out evil devices, her strong faith allowed her to trust God to uphold her in her righteousness.

Because Corrie ten Boom and others like her were “still before the Lord and [waited] patiently for him,” God has allowed their causes, those of the just, not the wicked, to become the real focus of today.

Although evil does exist in today’s world, do not fret. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

---

Pray

Heavenly Father, give me patience. Help me to remain still before you so that I may hear your voice and know your will for my life. Take away my worry, my anger, and my envy. Help me to delight myself in you. Amen.

Go with God!