Psalm 37:1-7

“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

Evidently the psalmist knew of folks in positions of power who, in spite of their supposed allegiance to the ways of the Lord, were prospering as they walked in the way of wealth. They were likely the talk of the marketplace and an irritant to those who were actually living in righteous ways. We know what it’s like to know of such people–if we don’t experience their practices personally, we’re regularly informed of what they’re up to via social media. Such knowledge is irritating! We can easily work ourselves into a fury of righteous indignation every day with just an hour or two of doom scrolling on our smartphones. The psalmist advised the people of his day to silence their iphones, wait patiently for the Lord, and not fret over those who grab the headlines with their shady behaviors. Of course that’s easier said than done. For some fretting has become second nature in these troubled times and it seems impossible to turn it off. Those who practice meditation say that it takes a certain discipline to be still before the Lord, but it can be done. There’s so much beauty in this world, it really is a pity to waste our precious time fretting when we could be rejoicing! 

Thought for the Day: What do I spend time fretting about?