FRETFULNESS

PSALM 37

 

V.  1--

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. 

Romans 2.4--

You who pass judgment on someone else, at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

 

The principle of the Psalms is that our "enemies" are within us.

The enemy we have to contend with is that within us that responds negatively to whatever is happening around us or to us must be confronted, confessed, and cleansed.

 

Fretfulne3ss and enviousness that are within us are the problems that are enemies, not the evil and wrong people around us.  These latter are not the cause of our reactions.  They only give reason to expose the condition of or heart.

 

The key prayer of the key prayer of the Psalms is

Psalm 139.23-24--

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts.  See if there is any wicked way in me , and lead me in the way everlasting.

 

V.  8--

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it only leads to evil.

 

The goal of Psalm 37 is to assure us that holiness, righteousness, and patience of the godly will be rewarded. 

This would fit with the prayers of Paul (Eph. 1.15-21; Phil.1.9-11; and Col. 1.9-14) that we be given knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of God's will and way, such as holiness, righteousness, and patience. 

In our following Jesus by faith and obedience, our Lord works all things

together for good.

(especially hard, hurtful things--James 1.2-5; 2 Cor. 12.9-10, and others) 

 

God works all things together for His purposes of our becoming like Him, in His image, in true righteousness and holiness (Eph.4.22-24) and love.

(1 Timothy 1.5--"Love comes from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith.")

 

 

DON'T FRET.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART.