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
“Do not fret” (37:1 & 5). Oh, dear! I am a fretter. I come from a long line of fretters. Actually, I am a very accomplished fretter. “Do not fret—it leads only to evil” (37:8). Wow, that seems like something to really fret about!
What’s the big deal about fretting? Is the problem anxiety’s toll on our minds and bodies? Maybe it is the lost time, energy and resultant inactivity. Is it about the jealousy over others’ prosperity? Although these are problems, they are not the real evil of fretting. Fretting is the lack of trust in God. In fretting, our relationship with God is broken as we seek answers from and rely on ourselves, things, or others who are not in relationship with our Lord. Rather, trust in God leads to security (37:3) and action (37:5). Delight in the Lord fulfills our desires (37:4). I need to be fretless and trustful—do you?
Prayer
Steadfast Lord, thank you for your promises to act to secure our daily needs. Forgive us when we fret and fail to trust in you. Bring us into a right relationship with you so that we delight in you each day. Amen.