In July 2020, in the middle of a rioting nation, displaced from normalcy by a pandemic, let those of us who are in King Jesus follow the rule spoken by King David.
When we try to decide whether to send our children to school this fall or teach them again at home, when we scurry through stores to find things that are still in limited amounts, dressed like we’re going through an apocalyptic landmine, it is entirely possible that our minds and emotions are either experiencing fright…or frustration.
If we want peace, and to know the will of God for believers in this unprecedented time for those of us in the US and most of the world, let’s turn off the outside noises, the fearful and fright producing voices, and spend some time with the words of the flawed king who was “after God’s heart”. David, the very human imperfect king of Israel.
Psalm 37 begins with “Do not fret because of evildoers”. He goes on to write in the beginning of the verses …
“Trust in the Lord, and do good”
“Commit your way to the Lord”
“REST (emphasis mine) in the Lord”
The entire psalm is full of how those in Christ should anticipate protection from the evil that seems to be abounding every place we look. Remember this, where sin abounds (that word denotes a very large amount,) God’s grace much more abounds. God’s grace is more abundant than any evil.
We don’t have to fret. We can trust in the Lord. We can continue to do good. We can commit our way again to the Lord. And tomorrow when it looks like everything is changing again, we can say, “God, no matter what it looks like today, I’m still trusting in You.” God knows our commitment, but repeating it reassures us.
Rest in the Lord. How do we do that when all around us things are a huge mess, with people fighting each other over things that are only personal choices and personal opinions and relationships ending over the isolation and the frustration?
It’s not as complicated at it seems. Turn off the things that cause the unrest. De-clutter the negativity oozing from your Facebook friends list. Ignore your Twitter feed. Only look at the pictures of children on Instagram.
Take the news apps off your phones and only watch The Food Network on cable.
Find some encouraging Word on live streams. Pursue something to laugh about. Look for grace in the hummingbirds, the wisteria, the flow of water in a creek.
Throw a mask down and stomp on it. Just because you can.
And grasp this promise from Psalm 37: Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass…”
There’s so much in Psalm 37. Promises that don’t change in the middle of chaos, riots and fear of disease. Instructions that are a life-living, change bringing method of thriving in Him no matter what’s outside.
Verse 7: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger; and forsake wrath; Do not fret-it only causes harm”
Refuse to fret. Sing in an off-key voice if that’s all you’ve got. Let children get dirty. In the sunshine. Eat ice cream as it drips down your chin. Invest in water balloons and super sliders. S’mores and lightening bugs.
Do simple, silly stuff. Do it often. Do it when you need to remember that God is protecting and providing safety. Throw in a jumping jack or two. Grab a Frisbee. Grab a fishing pole. Grab anything except an urge to “fret”.
“Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness” Eat up!
For His Glory 