October 2, 2019
For full passage click: Psalm 37:1-9 … “Be 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.” vs. 7
In these last years, some people have been caught up in what seems like a constant state of fretfulness. They wonder how friends and family can hold political positions squarely at odds with their own. They’re angry at societal trends that undermine long-standing moral and ethical positions. And then there are the usual worries about finances, children, and health. There are any number of things to fret about—the wrong people win political campaigns, gun violence threatens our schools and churches—the list goes on and on. The Psalmist knew about such things and he advises quietly waiting on the Lord and not allowing ourselves to become caught up in worry or anxiety. He says that fretting only leads to evil—we end up doing and saying ugly things and losing friends. He directs his readers to be still and wait patiently for the Lord. It’s almost as though he’s recommending the practice of meditation. There are some who have taken such advice to heart. Instead of immersing themselves in the internet and social media, they choose to spend time each day meditating on that which gives them joy and peace. It’s not that they’re sticking their heads in the sand, but they’re making choices about what they feed their souls. And it works! The fretting dissipates and joy abounds!
Thought for the Day: What do I fret about the most?
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