Psalm 37:1-9  [NIV] | 1Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; 2for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

Seeking God’s will for our lives is an ongoing challenge as we face the task of turning from our sinful ways and desires. We look around and see people turning from God only to proser in their lives. We witness evil in the world and it seems as though they are the ones being rewarded. God tells us not to fret or be envious of those who do wrong for they will soon wither away and die. God calls us to a greater task – Trust in the Lord and do good.

When we put our trust in God he promises to be active in our lives and give us the desires of our heart. As we grow in our faith and dependence upon God, our desires turn to his desires as the Holy Spirit works within us. God changes our hearts from envy to being satisfied. A changed heart takes time and is a process of our growing relationship with God. We are to be still before our Lord as we wait patiently for him to act. Unfortunately, in our sinful state we can slip into anger and take matters into our own hands.

Our hope lies in the hands of Jesus who came to redeem and rescue us from our sinful ways. Jesus fully understands our frustrations as we see the evil doers of the world prosper. In faith we live in the hope of new life in Christ knowing this life is not the end. Jesus came to rescue us with a promise that a day is coming when there will be no more death, suffering, or evil. Our hope rests in the gift of Baptism when Jesus calls us his own by name and promises an inheritance that is everlasting – life eternal.

Prayer:
Lord, may Your presence be made know to us. Help us to have the right spirit to turn from sin and seek your will. Lead us to be patient as we await your action and refrain from anger when life does not go as we see fit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Plan:
Take a heavy burden you face and give it to the Lord, be patient and trust in God.

Pastor Rod Lindemann
I Can’t | Jesus Can | Jesus Can Through Me