Fret Not, Trust God
BRD REFLECTIONS
Jeremiah 33 and Psalm 37 (NIV)
(Chua Chi Siong, Companions in Christ Facilitator, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Jeremiah 33 and Psalm 37 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
God invites Jeremiah to call to Him, promising that He will answer and tell him “great and unsearchable things” (Jeremiah 33:3). Then He goes on to tell Jeremiah that there will be punishment in the form of destruction and death on account of the wickedness of the people of Judah. However, God will bring about health and healing, peace and security, freedom after captivity, cleansing and forgiveness of sins in His appointed time. He will restore Jerusalem so that it will declare the good things God has done and bring renown, joy, praise and honour before all nations (Jeremiah 33:9). He further reveals to Jeremiah the coming of the Lord our Righteous Saviour (Jesus), the “righteous Branch that sprouts from David’s line who will do what is right and just”, through whom His promises will be fulfilled (Jeremiah 33:15-16).
In Psalm 37, the psalmist exhorts me not to fret when I see the seeming prosperity of evildoers, as God promised that their success would last but a moment and their way will lead only to self-inflicted pain and destruction. The psalmist calls for me to be still and wait patiently for the Lord, trusting and committing my ways to Him. The psalm ends with the beautiful promise of our Lord delivering us from the wicked and bringing us salvation as we take refuge in Him (Psalm 37:39-40).
APPLY:
I should not fret or be envious of those who do evil and are seemingly able to get away unpunished. Instead, I am to trust that God will thwart their evil schemes, protect the innocents, and bring justice and punishment.
I am to delight in the Lord, do good and enjoy His provision. Though there will be times that I may stumble in my sanctification journey, my Lord will uphold me with his hand and will not let me fall. Indeed, He will vindicate and bless me with peace and an eternal inheritance. In response, I will give glory and praise to Him who saves.
DO:
As I witness the apparent success of the evildoers, I shall not allow envy, anger and frustration to get the better of me but will bring these feelings to God.
Instead of rushing through my morning devotion, I will be still, meditate on God’s Word and allow His Word to speak to me.
As I receive His forgiveness, restoration and manifold blessings, I shall not be shy but make God’s goodness in actions and words known to others so that His Name will be glorified.
PRAY:
Dear Father, though we live in evil times, remind me that the evildoers will be duly punished, and their evil schemes will not have lasting victory. I can count on You for refuge and protection. In the storms of life, may I be still and see that You are my God, my Saviour and Deliverer. Help me not to be deflated but continue to do good and praise Your wondrous Name. For Your glory’s sake. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
