Psalm 37:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 37:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers,
Verse 2for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.
Verse 3Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Verse 4Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Verse 5Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
Verse 6He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
Verse 7Be 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.
Verse 8Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret-it leads only to evil.
Verse 9For the wicked shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
Devotion
Sunday at my first-ever Quaker meeting, one worshiper shared how deeply her heart was troubled by the violence around us. How often King David was hounded by enemies and family members angling for power; how often he was tempted into violence himself. Yes, it's easy to "fret because of the wicked."
Our friend also shared an AA axiom: "Don't look at the problem. Look at the solution." King David shares a similar thought: "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."
What troubles you today? Can you focus on a solution? Take a moment of delight in the Lord.
Prayer
Holy one, wrestle our eyes away from wickedness around and in us. Give us delight in you and trust in your solutions. Amen.