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Psalm 37:7 - Be Still, Wait Patiently and Never Ever Fret !

Psalm 37:7 (NLT) Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:7 (CWR) Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to do things in His own time.  Don't fret when wicked men prosper and succeed in their evil ways.

INTRODUCTION

   If you were to pick two psalms to memorize, the first would probably be the 23rd. But the second surely would be this great psalm in praise of trust.
   No psalm has more comforting verses, more verses inviting lengthy meditation. No psalm has more verses that speak so directly to the human heart.
   The beauty of this psalm aside, its teaching is vital to our well-being. Only by an active trust in God, expressed in the choices made each day of our lives, can we experience the many benefits of a personal relationship with the LORD. [The 365-Day Devotional Commentary]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Stop Fretting
   Why is it so hard to think clearly when you're angry? The same thing happens when you're afraid. The amygdala is the "fight or flight" part of your brain that kicks in to protect you, sending adrenaline through your body in response to a perceived threat. Anger, a strong emotion, falls into this reactive response. The problem is that when your brain is in this mode, the pre-frontal cortex, where you make wise choices, is not in charge. That's why it's good to count to ten or take a few deep breaths when you're upset. It gives you a chance to move back to thinking rationally.
   Psychologists are not the only ones to tell you about the importance of calm thinking. Today's Bible verse reminds us to "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him," especially when we are fretting or worrying about a problem or even a potential threat. Being overly anxious can impair our judgment. But having a calm mind will help us think in balanced ways. And what better way to be calm than to "rest in the Lord"?
   Today's verse speaks of those who fret over the prosperity of others, especially if such wealth is made by cheating others. When we have been mistreated, unfairly judged, or taken advantage of, it's easy to fret. "That's not fair. I don't deserve to be treated this way." You're probably right, but people who chronically worry over these things (without taking healthy action) can have trouble with sleep, concentration, and restlessness.
   How does one rest in the Lord? The Hebrew word here literally means "be silent." If we would slow down by praying through and meditating on a Bible verse, the Lord will calm our souls.
   Father in heaven, help me to slow down and turn to You when I am fretting. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

COMMENTARY

   Jesus says, "Abide in Me." These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence. Again He invites,"Come unto Me, . . . and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. The words of the psalmist express the same thought: "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." And Isaiah gives the assurance, "In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." Psalm 37:7; Isaiah 30:15. This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Saviour's invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor: "Take My yoke upon you.... and ye shall find rest." Matthew 11:29. The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him.
   When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan's constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. The pleasures of the world, life's cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections--to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices. Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved. All this turns the soul away from the Source of our strength. Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. Put away all doubt; dismiss your fears. Say with the apostle Paul, "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him. If you will leave yourself in His hands, He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him that has loved you.  {SC 71}

Keeping Hope Alive
   Taking time to quiet our hearts in God's presence when there is an endless list of things to do can feel counterintuitive. The truth of the matter, though, is that when we position our hearts before God and pray, we align ourselves with his perfect peace. We invite his perspective to inform our own. Instead of running through our day with fractured focus, his presence keeps us in the connective force of his love.
   There are times, especially when we are desperate and waiting, that keeping hope alive feels like a fight against our own souls. But God will come through. Let's let his faithfulness inform our expectations instead of letting our experiences dictate his nature. He is so much better than we have yet known!
   Make pursuing the presence and peace of God your goal today, all while praying with hope. [365 Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub]

ILLUSTRATIONS

   Three writing deadlines were closing in - all at the same time. For a few weeks, I sat glued to my desktop computer from early morning until late at night, exiting my office only to prepare meals or sleep. During that time, my shoulders often grew tired, causing interrupted sleep at night.
   One hot morning, I finally remembered to take a needed short break. I walked laps from one end of our home to the other. Each time I rounded the corner into my living room, I heard a sweet sound drifting through the closed back door. As it grew louder, I slowed down to listen more closely. The gentle coos drew me to the patio door, where I heard a friendly visitor talking - or singing - to me. The young dove rested on our fence, and I relished its personal greeting. I love how Jesus often speaks to us through His creation.
   As I completed my walking circles and returned to my desk, I felt refreshed - but not necessarily because of the exercise. Somehow, taking the time to be still and listen that morning, I heard more than a bird's song. Each coo echoed in my heart as if Jesus had whispered to me: "Slow down. I love you, I love you, I love you."
   And in that moment of realization, I bowed my head and breathed a thank-you to Jesus. My muscles relaxed, the writing flowed, and sweet sleep followed later that night. In the days following, until I finished my deadlines, I stopped more often. Once again, Jesus had reminded me to slow down, be still and listen, and take more time to enjoy His presence. by Rebecca Barlow Jordan
   Faith Step: Today, set a timer on your phone or one nearby to go off throughout the day, reminding you to stop and be still in the presence of Jesus. [Mornings With Jesus 2019 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

   My small group bible study friends and I have had a year of caring for elderly relatives and navigating their end-of-life decisions. Not only have the struggles and losses been painful and difficult, but they have also forced me to think about my own aging and health challenges and how long I will be granted independence. I found myself battling fear that paints worst-case scenarios in vibrant colors across my mind. I thought I'd learned to trust Jesus in various situations throughout my life, but lately I've wondered where my trust has gone.
   To help me escape mentally, I enjoy a fantasy computer game in which I gain skills and solve puzzles to get to another level with new virtual places to explore. With each level I conquer, I collect an on-screen treasure. While playing one day, I realized Jesus accompanies me into my real-life next level with the challenges of aging now frequently popping up. He sustained me during other life stages - in school, as a young married woman, in parenting, and in various careers. I had followed Him through vocational hurdles, relationship conflicts, and financial problems. Jesus proved Himself faithful over and over.
   As I stand on the threshold of my advanced level in life that has new puzzles to solve and different places to explore, Jesus's faithfulness outshines my fear. Knowing He will sustain me makes aging less frightening, especially when I consider the best treasure of all awaits me at the end - eternity with Him. Sharon Hinck
   Faith Step: Draw the levels or phases of your life. What new area or challenge is before you? Tell Jesus you will trust Him as you step forward. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan taken fm Isa. 46:4]

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

   Sit quietly in My presence while I bless you. Make your mind like a still pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it. Rest in My sufficiency, as you consider the challenges this day presents. Do not wear yourself out by worrying about whether you can cope with the pressures. Keep looking to Me and communicating with Me, as we walk through this day together.
   Take time to rest by the wayside, for I am not in a hurry. A leisurely pace accomplishes more than hurried striving. When you rush, you forget who you are and Whose you are. Remember that you are royalty in My kingdom. (Psa. 37:7; Rom. 8:16, 17; 1Pe. 2:9) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]

   I continually call you to closeness with Me. I know the depth and breadth of your need for Me. I can read the emptiness of your thoughts when they wander away from Me. I offer rest for your soul, as well as refreshment for your mind and body. As you increasingly find fulfillment in Me, other pleasures become less important. Knowing Me intimately is like having a private wellspring of Joy within you. This spring flows freely from My throne of grace, so your Joy is independent of circumstances.
   Waiting in My Presence keeps you connected to Me, aware of all that I offer you. If you feel any deficiency, you need to refocus your attention on Me. This is how you trust Me in the moments of your life. (Psa. 131:2; 21:6; 37:7) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 37:7 - Be still, wait patiently and never ever fret!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20040820-0937.html

Matthew 6:34 - Live for Jesus One Day at a Time.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240831-1443.html

Proverbs 12:25 - Dealing With Anxiety Which Can Cause Depression.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211124-0930.html

Psalm 4:8 - Peaceful Sleep.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240210-0858.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/