August 20, 2010

Don’t worry about the wicked. Don’t envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like springtime flowers, they soon wither.

-Psalm 37:1-2

In looking back on his long life, David could highlight five attitudes that helped him not to worry, or “fret not,” as the King James Version reads (Psalm 37:1). In common language, we might say “sweat not” because the original word used means “to be under heat or pressure.” When you are walking through a fiery trial, it is imperative that you learn how to “fret” or “sweat” not!

The first thing you’ve got to do is “trust in the Lord” (v. 3), or have an inward confidence that God is going to bring you through to the other side. With a conviction in your heart that God is on your side and wants to do you good, you can face anything.

Second, you must “delight in the Lord” (v. 4), or make the Lord “delicious” to you. Just as a son enjoys his father’s company, so you must enjoy your heavenly Father’s company. Are you truly delighted to spend time with Him, “tasting” of His goodness?

Third, you must “commit everything you do to the Lord” (v. 5), or roll your problem onto Him, acknowledging Him as the only One who can carry your heavy burden. If you commit your problem to Him, you don’t have the option of taking it back! It is too heavy for you; you cannot carry it in your own strength.

Fourth, you must “be still in the presence of the Lord” (v. 7). This implies rest, not continually magnifying Satan’s attack through your speech.

Finally, you must “wait patiently for Him to act” (v. 7), keeping a constant sense of expectation that your miracle is right around the corner. It’s never easy or pleasant to simply wait, but it is the key to seeing God move on your behalf.

Trust, delight, commit, be still, and wait. Your fretting will disappear, and God will bring the victory!

Daily Readings: Esther 8:1-10:3 • 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13
• Psalm 37:1-11 • Proverbs 21:23-24

The One Year Devotional used by permission from Bethany World Prayer Center and Pastor Larry Stockstill . For more information, please see www.bethany.com or www.bccn.com.