Just Be Still and Wait Patiently

Scripture:
Be 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.
Psalm 37:7

Observation: This psalm is one of the best in advising others not to worry or fret when evil people plot against them, but rather to simply delight in the Lord, do good, and await both blessing and vindication. This is a common theme in David's psalms, and this one especially provides a balance of comfort and instruction ... of direction for how to behave, and a promise for that behavior.

In all of this, however, verse 7 is slightly different. It isn't (just) a 'don't worry' message, and it isn't a 'you will receive in due time' promise. Instead, it prescribes passivity and patience. It is not only for us to not worry when evil people prevail against us, we are also to just "be still" and "wait patiently" for the Lord. In other words, we don't make effort to not worry, but rather we do nothing. We don't take action, we don't say words, and we don't even fret just a little bit when the evil people take action. We just stay still and be patient.

Application: When I launch my devotions every day, my browser opens three tabs pre-filled with verses, one from Psalms, one from the New Testament, and one from the Old Testament. Today's exact reading - Psalm 37:1-9 - is my default psalm. I personally focus on verses 1-4. Instead of actively worrying about evil doers, I believe they will all pass away (either their deeds on earth or their eternal souls to hell), so I trust in the Lord, reside in and work in 'the land', and take delight in his blessings.

Today, after several discussions over the weeks with my son and wife, I lean into verse 7 here. I embrace the idea of having so little worry over the evil doers of this world that my response can be ... nothing. I can just be still and patient. I don't need to fret or worry, I don't need to discuss and wonder, and I don't need to study and respond.

Whether it is related to global issues, community problems, or personal attacks and hardships ... God's got this.

Prayer: Lord, I pray almost every day to simply be able to relax into your hands. I thank you for that level of care and comfort. I live today in the land into which you have placed me, and I strive to do good here. May that be all I need to do, for you will take care of everything else. Amen.