Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 (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.
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 salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their refuge in the time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Song: “Still” by Hillsong
Lyrics: Click here
Sometimes when I’m reading Scripture, I just naturally fall into a sort of dialogue with it…
Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers…
You really do know what’s on my heart and mind, don’t you Lord? Because I’ve been doing a lot of fretting recently. I can’t say I’m envious of wrongdoers, but I’m frustrated when those who so blatantly ignore your word prosper. What’s up with that, Lord? Can’t you send down a little fire from heaven and set things straight?
Trust in the LORD…Take delight in the LORD…Commit your way to the LORD…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.
Trust, delight, commit, be still. Those are tall orders, Lord. Then add “wait patiently” to it as well? You sure you don’t want me to help things along a little bit? Surely you don’t want me to just sit here while people get away with so much ridiculousness in your name. That can’t be the answer. At least let me defend you on Twitter or something, Lord. Someone needs to speak up and put these people in their place.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
OK, no Twitter then. Gotcha.
Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.
Do you have any idea, Lord, how much we are longing for that day? Ok…I suppose you do, but still. They mock your name. They ridicule faith. They do all that, and then seem to prosper. And yet you tell me that a day is coming when they will simply be gone. It seems hard to believe, but I’m going to believe it anyway. Help me be patient for that day, Lord.
But the meek shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity. The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their refuge in the time of trouble. The LORD helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
OK, I see that the word “refuge” pops up twice in those verses. “Rescues” is there twice as well, alongside “saves.” It seems as though you’re inviting me to face these troublesome and frustrating times from a different place. I keep wanting to rush out into the war zone and take on those who I believe are standing in the way of your kingdom work. I act as though it’s up to me to shut them down. But you’re not calling me to be your defender, are you? In fact, you’re reminding me that you are MY defender and my refuge.
Maybe, just maybe…if I were to be still (where did I just hear those words?) and rest in your saving grace, instead of letting the wicked wind and rile me up…maybe that’s where I find the kingdom instead.
Not on the cultural battlefield, but in the quite refuge of your love.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How do you respond to the psalmist’s invitation to “be still” in the face of so much evil in the world? What helps you to be still in God’s presence, and how can you pursue that even more intentionally?
How have you known God as the “king over the flood?” Spend some time in prayer given thanks for his saving grace during those times.
Trust…take delight…commit your way…be still…which of those do you struggle with most? Ask the Holy Spirit to be at work in these areas where you see an opportunity for growth.