What do we have to give to a God who created the universe? What does he expect from us? We ask so much from Him, almost without even thinking about what we are really saying.
He wants us to seek Him. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” (NIV). What does that look like? It can be different things for different people depending on the situations. There are some basics that are included in that.
Psalm 37 outlines some specific things God wants from us. Going through the chapter we see the following instructions: do not fret, trust, delight, commit, be still, refrain from anger, wait, keep His way. That seems like a lot and some people get overwhelmed by just thinking about trying to do all these things, especially when faced with the trials of each day. Each instruction, though, comes with a promise. Instead of thinking about it as a laundry list of things to do, think of it as a way to get to the promises of God.
Do not fret. This is mentioned a few times within the chapter concerning when evil people succeed and Godly people are overlooked. Think of it more as when you experience a disappointment when someone else gets something you thought you deserved or you are hurt by someone. At those times we often spiral into thoughts of inadequacy and question our abilities. God knew what was going to happen and still has a good plan for you no matter happens in that situation. He will bring about the good things to you.
Trust. The basis of our relationship with God has to be clothed in trust. The trust needs to overflow into all areas of our lives, not just the ones that we let go easily. This is referenced in verses 3 and 5. In verse 5 it’s paired with “commit”. The promise at the end of verse 5 is that God will help you (GNT).
Be still. This is the hardest one for many people. We want to help God, so we can control the outcome and not wait for results. The key to this is in verse 7 where it says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for the Lord,” (NIV emphasis mine). Patiently is not a word we like to hear. What does it look like to wait patiently? Quietly; doing nothing to help move the situation forward. This is the hardest part because we want things now and in our way. God sees what is best for us and doesn’t need our help getting it to us.
Refrain from anger. Anger at a situation is not wrong. That’s a normal human reaction when something bad happens that we didn’t expect. However, we don’t have to stay in anger. Don’t harbor anger or seek to harm someone out of anger. Let God take care of bringing justice on your behalf. You will be much happier if you let it go, and let God take care of it. When we harbor anger and resentment we can’t do the last instruction…keep His way.
When we keep His way we are seeking him first-above all the things we see. When we keep his way, he delights in us. Verses 23 and 24 tell us why that is important. “The Lord guides us in the way we should go and protects those who please him. If they fall, they will not stay down, because the Lord will help them up.” (GNT). What a great promise! The God of the universe will help us up when we seek Him. We can survive our disappointments and stumbles. We will thrive when seek God first because He will help us back up!
Nae's Notes 