DECEMBER 4, 2015
Worry-Free
Do
not fret because of those who are evil. — Psalm 37:1
Read:
Psalm 37:1-9
Trying to stay aware
of current events has its downside because bad news sells better than good
news. It’s easy to become overly concerned about the criminal acts of
individuals, crowds, or governments over whom we have no control.
Psalm 37 gives
perspective to the daily news. David begins by saying, “Do not fret because of
those who are evil” (v. 1). Then he proceeds to outline for us some
alternatives to becoming overly anxious. In essence, David suggests a better
way of thinking about negative news in our world.
What would happen if,
instead of worrying about events beyond our control, we chose to trust in the
Lord? (v. 3). Wouldn’t we be better off to “take delight in the Lord” (v. 4)
rather than fret without limits? Imagine the freedom from worry we could have
if we would “commit [our] way to the Lord” (v. 5). And how calm we could be by
learning to “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him”! (v. 7).
News of trouble we
cannot change offers us an opportunity to set boundaries for our concerns. As
we trust God, commit our ways to Him, and rest in Him, our outlook brightens.
The struggles and trials may not disappear, but we will discover that He gives
us His peace in the midst of them.
Lord, we see danger
and trouble all around us. Help us not to worry but instead to trust and rest
in You. Show us the peace that comes from waiting patiently on You.
Obstacles give us the opportunity to trust God.
INSIGHT:
The invitation of
Psalm 37 is not simply to lay down our anxiety but to replace it with something
far better—trust and delight in the Lord (vv. 3-4). Replacing worry with trust
is also a concern of the apostle Paul when he tells the Christians in Philippi,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of
God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
Source: Our Daily Bread 2015