08/09/2020
This morning, we don’t have our typical message. I apologize for that. I actually have a sermon and even recorded it. But, as I was preaching it, and later after listening to it, it just wasn’t saying what I really wanted it to say. So, I’ve reworked it to something I’m more comfortable with, but because of the time it takes to edit and such, we don’t have it ready today.
What I will do though is share a little encouraging thought for the day. This became one of my favorite passages way back when I was in high school. Psalm 37:1-10 says,
1 Do not be agitated by evildoers;
do not envy those who do wrong.
2 For they wither quickly like grass
and wilt like tender green plants.
3 Trust in the LORD and do what is good;
dwell in the land and live securely.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and He will give you your heart’s desires.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in Him, and He will act,
6 making your righteousness shine like the dawn,
your justice like the noonday.
7 Be silent before the LORD and wait expectantly for Him;
do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way,
by the man who carries out evil plans.
8 Refrain from anger and give up your rage;
do not be agitated — it can only bring harm.
9 For evildoers will be destroyed,
but those who put their hope in the LORD
will inherit the land.
10 A little while, and the wicked person will be no more;
though you look for him, he will not be there.
It’s easy to get a little irritated when you see selfish, mean, or negative people doing well in life. This is especially true when you’re NOT doing well in life. When the bills are barely getting paid (if at all). When someone in the family’s health isn’t doing so well. When marriages are falling apart. When depression sets in. The list goes on. And all this time, you feel like you’re crying out to God and…nothing. BUT, the neighbor who cares only about himself? The lady who bullies everyone? They’re doing wonderful.
David knew this type of trouble. He fought real problems with real emotions. He saw life crumbling around him while his enemies prospered. And his advice? Don’t let it get to you. Your anger will only bring more problems. Keep pressing on. These people who live for themselves—it won’t last for them. What you must do is keep trusting in God, keep doing what’s right, and find delight/joy/hope in the Lord.
I like to remind people, though, that this doesn’t always mean that all your problems will go away. In fact, sometimes they linger and seem like they’ll never go away. But, if you stay angry then you only have problems AND anger. You have bitterness against God AND the same problems eating at you. Find joy in Him instead. Let him give you peace in the middle of your storm like he did with the disciples in the boat. When he told them to not be afraid, the winds were still howling and the boat was still being tossed by the waves. But, he was there. Now, they could’ve gotten mad and thought, “Why the heck isn’t he actually DOING something?? Why is he just standing there like everything is okay? It’s not!” But, that wouldn’t have helped anything. It would only have added to their frustration. And Jesus' point was not to pretend like everything was fine, it was to emphasize that with Him there, their problems had no power. He proved this by literally standing on top of their problem (the water/waves) thereby asserting his authority.
We must trust that He will deliver. Psalm 37:7— Be silent before the LORD and wait expectantly for Him…
Serve Him. Trust Him. Expect something from Him.
Have a wonderful day everyone!
