Bible League: Living His Word Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!— Psalm 37:7 ESV Turning on the television news in today's world can almost be hazardous to one's emotional health. It appears that unrighteousness is excelling on every front, much of it in direct confrontation to any voice of righteousness being upheld by Christians. Though difficult to believe, appearances are deceiving, because we know God will ultimately have the final say. But, until then, we are called to let our patience rule the day, not only regarding our personal circumstances and relationships, but also those larger cultural and governmental movements in our world. Psalm 37 is a wisdom poem contrasting the way of godliness over against the way of the wicked. Before such contrasts are made by David (beginning at verse 10), he begins with a series of exhortations that will help the believer to not only survive but thrive amid wrongful perversity. Our verses for today provide a summarized transition from the practical exhortations given in the first six verses&mdashin light of the way we ought to conduct our lives as believers, we ought also to exercise a restful trust in the Lord. God wins in the end! Carefully read again verses 7-9 to capture the bit of wisdom that helps us to cope amidst the turmoil. The word "wait patiently" (a single word expressing intent) in verse seven is different than the word "wait" in verse nine. In verse seven, the word carries forth the meaning of collecting our thoughts, so as to bring them under control. We can only do this when we are "still" (restful) before the Lord. Amid all the noise of wickedness surrounding us we need to come before God with a quiet, restful spirit, intent on collecting our many thoughts and concerns for life and patiently bringing them before Him, believing in His full control over all the circumstances of our lives. This type of daily appointment before God places us in the best position to have the exasperations of our life&mdashthe pressures of contending with a fallen world where wickedness prospers&mdashmelt away before us. Twice in these verses we are told not to fret (to seethe with anger). The word "fret" is a play on words (a rhyming word in the original language) with the word used for "wait" in verse nine (to linger with eager expectation). In other words, to place ourselves before God at appointed times, intent on collecting our worrisome thoughts and laying them at His feet provides the best opportunity to rise above the circumstances of an ungodly world and experience the fullness of God's blessing to us in this world and the next (the "inheritance" of the land of verse 9)! The stressors of a world, fallen and still spiraling downward, have tempted many to find release through medications, sedatives, and reckless lifestyles. Still, nothing satisfies the rage within. Only God can satisfy the exasperation of the human heart. Make an appointment with Him today. Be intent on resting in His presence and patiently sharing with Him the concerns of your life. By William Niblette, Ph.D., Bible League International staff, Pennsylvania Bible in a Year Old Testament ReadingPsalm 10, 11, 12 Psalm 10 -- Why do you stand far off, O Lord? NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Psalm 11 -- In the Lord I take refuge NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Psalm 12 -- Help, O Lord; for the godly man ceases NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB New Testament Reading Acts 17:16-34 Acts 17 -- Paul at Thessalonica, Berea and Athens NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Reading Plan Courtesy of Christian Classics Etherial Library. Tyndale Life Application Daily Devotion If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?Insight Nothing material can compensate for the loss of eternal life. Jesus' disciples are not to use their lives on earth for their own pleasure—they should spend their lives serving God and people. Challenge If this present life is most important to you, you will do everything you can to protect it. You will not want to do anything that might endanger your safety, health, or comfort. By contrast, if following Jesus is most important, you may find yourself in unsafe, unhealthy, and uncomfortable places. You will risk death, but you will not fear it because you know that Jesus will raise you to eternal life. Morning and Evening by Spurgeon Psalm 56:9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.It is impossible for any human speech to express the full meaning of this delightful phrase, "God is for me." He was "for us" before the worlds were made; he was "for us," or he would not have given his well-beloved son; he was "for us" when he smote the Only-begotten, and laid the full weight of his wrath upon him--he was "for us," though he was against him; he was "for us," when we were ruined in the fall--he loved us notwithstanding all; he was "for us," when we were rebels against him, and with a high hand were bidding him defiance; he was "for us," or he would not have brought us humbly to seek his face. He has been "for us" in many struggles; we have been summoned to encounter hosts of dangers; we have been assailed by temptations from without and within--how could we have remained unharmed to this hour if he had not been "for us"? He is "for us," with all the infinity of his being; with all the omnipotence of his love; with all the infallibility of his wisdom; arrayed in all his divine attributes, he is "for us,"--eternally and immutably "for us;" "for us" when yon blue skies shall be rolled up like a worn out vesture; "for us" throughout eternity. And because he is "for us," the voice of prayer will always ensure his help. "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies be turned back." This is no uncertain hope, but a well grounded assurance--"this I know." I will direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up for the answer, assured that it will come, and that mine enemies shall be defeated, "for God is for me." O believer, how happy art thou with the King of kings on thy side! How safe with such a Protector! How sure thy cause pleaded by such an Advocate! If God be for thee, who can be against thee? Daily Light on the Daily Path Isaiah 34:16 Seek from the book of the LORD, and read: Not one of these will be missing; None will lack its mate. For His mouth has commanded, And His Spirit has gathered them.Deuteronomy 11:18 "You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. Joshua1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Psalm 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip. Psalm 17:4 As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent. Psalm 119:11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. 2 Peter 1:19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. |
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