Time Out! Devotions

Psalm 37:1-9 (NIV)

¹ Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; ² for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. ³ Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. ⁴ Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. ⁵ Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: ⁶ He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. ⁷ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. ⁸ Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. ⁹ For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

Throughout Scripture, we are admonished to trust in the Lord. When times are good, this doesn’t seem like a difficult task. However, when trials arise, it is much more difficult to rely fully upon Him.

Yet it is always important for us to place our trust in the living God, especially when everything around us seems to be falling apart. That may well have been the situation that inspired the writing of Psalm 37.

Notice that in today’s passage, the psalmist mentions several times that we should not fret (verses 1, 7, 8). Distress over a situation is the opposite of trust, and fretting has ill effects. For one thing, it can take a toll on physical and emotional wellbeing. Another problem is that feeding worry can lead to evildoing: by attempting to manage the situation quickly in our human way, we may miss God’s best solution. A third consequence is that others may not enjoy our company, so we could lose our effective witness for the kingdom.

What, then, is the antidote for worry and stress during a difficult time? Absolute trust in Christ. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” This means we are to lay all our burdens at His feet, believing that He is good, loving, and in control.

When trials arise, do you run toward the Lord? Or do you try to handle things yourself? He who created you can handle any difficulty and pain, even when it seems overwhelming. What He desires is your surrender and trust. It is in His arms that you will find rest for your soul.

(by Dr. Charles Stanley from the March 2010 issue of In Touch magazine)

Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 138:7 (NIV)

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand You save me.

Psalm 144:15 (NIV)

Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.

Psalm 139:7, 9-10 (NIV)

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 107:9 (NIV)

For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 31:24 (NIV)

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 130:7 (NIV)

Put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption.

Psalm 103:8 (NIV)

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Psalm 112:6-7 (NIV)

Surely He will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.