October 2nd Reflection - Calm Down! - by Bill Lynch

Psalm 37:1-9
Exhortation to Patience and Trust
Of David.

Do not fret because of the wicked;
   do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
   and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
   so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord,
   and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
   trust in him, and he will act.
He will make your vindication shine like the light,
   and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

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.

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
   Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For the wicked shall be cut off,
   but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

Reflection
We fret, we get angry and upset over the inequalities of life. It seems those who don't believe in God prosper and live free of any punishment. We get upset when we as believers, experience pain and suffering, or perhaps we suffer in need of food, money, clothing and housing. I'm not sure if it's jealousy or just our own sinfulness that breeds an attitude that we want those unbelievers to get what they deserve. In any case we can take God's gift of life and turn it and look at the negative side of everything.

But, God wants us to turn the gem a little. He wants us to see the sparkle and the light coming through the precious stone of his grace. God shows us how to trust and wait for his redeeming and loving actions in our lives and the lives of all people. God wants us to take delight in the life he gives.

We were born dead. We were born sinful and dead. God gives us life. God frees us from those selfish and hurtful feelings and desires we may have for the other person that seems to receive more than they deserve. God grants us a promise for the trusting believer. A promise of life.

"Do not fret-- it only leads to evil."

but, rather, be still and wait

"those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land."

Prayer
Lord, give me patience when I need to wait and be still. Calm my sinful and selfish desires that I may see your salvation and live to your glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen