It Takes a lot of Hard Work to Rest in the Lord - Psalm 37
by Teresa(1,457)
Freelance writer/Speaker
Is it just me, or does it take a lot of hard work to rest in the Lord? Seriously, I was reading Psalm 37; I made it to the end of verse 8, and had to chuckle at the irony.
Read with me:
Vs 1: Do not fret because of evil doers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
It’s easy to complain about the breaks “bad” people seem to get in this world. It’s easy to be envious and jealous of the accomplishments of others; even if they were less than righteous in how they attained wealth and notoriety – but it takes a lot of hard work for me to set my jealousy aside and pray for their soul.
Vs 2: For they shall soon be cut down like the grass and wither as the green herb.
Ouch. Forgive me Lord; you are so good to me!
Vs 3: Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed off his faithfulness.
It’s easy to trust in the Lord when all is good – but it takes a lot of hard work when things fall apart, and feed off of his faithfulness?
“I can fix it, trust me Lord, I’ve got this one under control. You are moving too slowly for me, I’m not sure how faithful you are going to be this time around.”
NO – I would never say these exact words, but my actions say them loud and clear.
Vs 4: Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Okay, this one doesn’t take a lot of hard work – until I realize that delighting in the Lord, means that I trust and approve and appreciate EVERYTHING he allows to come my way.
Vs. 5-6 : Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
This one is easy as well; I am always committing everything to the Lord, my fears, concerns, desires, and plans. I have this one down.
Nevertheless, it takes a lot of hard work to sit back, do nothing, and wait for Him to bring it to pass and to make things right. Sigh.
Vs 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.
There is nothing easy about any part of this verse – it takes a lot of hard work to rest and wait patiently. Now waiting impatiently, this is easy.
VS 8: Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret – it only causes harm.
Um, have I mentioned it takes a lot of hard work to rest in the Lord?
No wonder Paul tells us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” in the book of Philippians!
All kidding aside, Paul concludes Philippians 2:12, with words that should encourage us and remind us that God has plans for us, and he will be faithful to do them. Let’s read the entire verse.
“Therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. “
I am reminded of how Jesus responded to His disciples when asked a question:
“Then they said to Him, ‘what shall we do, that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him who sent Me.’” John 6:28-29.
It’s a good thing I don’t have to work for my salvation, it's enough work to believe in Jesus – really believe to the degree that living out Psalm 37 1-8 will eventually become natural. When I am resting in the Lord, then I am free to do good works for others to demonstrate the reality of my faith.
Whew – I’m pretty tired now, I think I will crawl into my Daddy’s lap and take a nap. Tomorrow is a new day, and a new opportunity to work out my spiritual muscles.
Thanks to joining me in my thoughts for the day.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and give you peace.
Teresa Ortiz
Article submitted Friday, July 24, 2009 & read 586 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Laura Trahan (1 year 5 days ago.)
Good points Teresa! Not really what I wanted to hear this morning! ;) Patience?!? Who has that? Love ya lots!
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» left by Teresa(1,457)
Ha! Good morning Laura - I just couldn't help writing about this, with the upcoming move, no place to live, no new job, and all the other little/big unknowns.
But our God is faithful and we need to remember that his timing and his purposes are perfect. It's us who often times throws a wrench in his plans and then we have to wait twice as long for him to undo the damage. Ya, not what I wanted to hear this morning either. :-) Blessings and love to you! T
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» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow in CO (1 year 4 days ago.)
Rest, sit, be still, yep, some of the hardest things we are told to do..... I am right there with you and W-A-I-T-I-N-G..... ugh, my least strong suit. MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1 year 4 days ago.)
Hi Marijo, thanks for the comment :-) I am waiting and praying with you as well.
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» left by Swapna Nanda from India (1 year 3 days ago.)
Teresa, your articles has always been a blessing and this morning it came as a few drops of cool water in the midst of my humid, sweaty and anguised heart. Thank you so much for being a blessing. It is really hard work to crawl into Daddy's lap and take a nap. We often think that being alert, and active will solve so many problems of life. Keep writting and bless us with your inspirational thoughts. regards,SwapnaRespond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 2 days ago.)
Hello Swapna, thank you for the encouraging words, I am blessed you were encouraged. I wasn't sure how this one would go over, but at the time I wrote it, it sure was my heart. Sometimes I do great, the calmness and peace is present and I truly am resting, and then other times it seems out of nowhere panic sets in. Lord help us!
Our activity should be living and serving not creating difficult work that leads us further from the peace of our heavenly Father. I suppose that is where being quiet and calm enough to hear the still small voice speaking to our heart, telling us the difference between the two. May the Lord continue to bless the work of your hands. Blessings and love, Teresa
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» left by Kathy Gilbert from Eugene, Oregon (356 days 17 hours ago.)
Teresa...you are such a dear heart! Thank you...and God bless YOU!LOVE to you,Kathy GilbertRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Kathy! Thanks for stopping by and for the sweet words! Lots of love right back to you, Teresa
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