“Be still (rest) before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7)
In this series, we have looked at trusting in the LORD, delighting in the LORD and committing to the Lord. Now David moves to resting in the Lord. Rest, does that sound like good news to you. Perhaps like me, by the time you are reading this devotion you are at work, but oh, how wonderful it would be to wake up late and rest at this time. David instructs us about rest in the Lord.
First, rest in the Lord. Rest began literally with God. Genesis 2:2 – 3 reads, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Now if the Creator rests, why can’t creation rest? Physical rest is crucial to our development. Isn’t it interesting that newborns sleep up to 16 hours a day. If physically rest is essential for our physical growth, then spiritual rest is needed for our spirit.
Secondly, wait patiently for Him [God]. Have you ever prayed for patience? God often allows situations to come into our lives that cause us to have the opportunity to respond with patience. Perhaps it’s on these days that you get stuck at numerous red lights while driving. We live in a world of instant gratification, where patience is not popular. Do you recall when Jesus was sleeping in the boat as the disciples were frantic over the storm? This has to be such a picture of patience. Christ knew his faith and power would calm the storm, which is why He was initially able to sleep during it.
Patience is one of the fruit of the Spirit. God does things in His time, not ours, while perhaps many get impatient with God. The problem is that we are “rushed” and God is not, as He exists in the realm of eternity and we are bound at this time by time. Solomon said, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience…” Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and patience is better than pride. James wrote “Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Thirdly, don’t fret. We do not fret when [wicked] men succeed in their ways. Remember their ways are not God’s ways. Just because someone may have worldly success doesn’t mean that one has godly approval and righteousness. The issue is not one of happiness, but one of righteousness. Wise living deals first with negative emotions—especially anger, fretting, and jealousy. If not dealt with these emotions may lead to sin against God, self, or other humans. God will take care of wickedness. Paul implores us to, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Jesus said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Rest in Him, wait patiently for Him, and don’t fret because it’s really not worth it.
Until the nets are filled…Blessings, Pastor Phil <><
He Has Magnified His Word 