“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” Psalm 37:1
Dear Ones:
The life of faith is one of not only choosing that which is good and acceptable in the sight of God, but refusing to accept that which does not have its origin and essence in God. For example: How many times in Scripture are we admonished to “Fear not,” or “Be not afraid?” In addressing Joshua, who had an enormous responsibility to lead the people of Israel into the promised land, an unfamiliar land which had very real enemies, He commanded: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed.” (Joshua 1:9) The logical reason for such a commandment is found in the promise: “…for the Lord thy God IS with thee wherever you go.” The believer is called to shun, refuse, even reject, fear and dismay, leading to disappointment and discouragement, by embracing the truth, and reality, of the Lord’s very real presence. His promise does not only mean that He is present, but that He IS so in order to BE a very present help, and sufficient for every need.
What about anxiety? Is this to be rejected? Again, we are confronted with the matter of faith, faith that is based on the truth, and in particular, on the character of God according to the truth. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he writes: “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication make your requests be made known unto God.” (4:6) What is he saying? The believer is called to practically trust in the sovereign, and all-powerful God, who is again, not only “with” him, but actually, and actively “for” him. It is by prayer and supplication that the believer practically gives Christ access to the need at hand. In the matter of food, drink, and clothing, we are not to be anxious, but faith-filled, believing God to provide as He leads us forward.
Lastly, what about “fretting?” In Psalm 37, David brings this matter before us as a very real subject that must be addressed. Why? As in the days of Habakkuk, when the vision of what was happening in the world was overwhelming. Sin and evil seemed to swallow up all else. God’s answer to Habakkuk would in essence be the same for David. The Lord would give to Habakkuk a vision of that which was the present reality of the sin and evil of the day. He also gave him a vision of what was to come, “…For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (2:14) When we come to the end of the book, we find that God brings Habakkuk to victory in his own heart and life when he declares: “Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God IS my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feed, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (3:18-19) For David, God will also bring him to see the present situation as it truly was, where “evildoers” menacingly influenced his life. In the face of this reality, God would show David the way of faith. He, in essence, would take David by the hand, and declare to Him: “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (37:3)
Dear Father, You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind.(2 Timothy 1:7) Give us grace to refuse all fear, anxiety, and fretfulness. Enable us to ever turn to Thee, specifically committing all to Thee, laying hold of Thy presence and faithfulness according to Thy word. For indeed, You ARE a very PRESENT help in time of trouble. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad