Follow the Path He Made

Psalms 37:1-11

This Psalm is a favorite, notably the instructions presented in verses 3, 4, 5,, 7 and 8 respectively.

• Trust in the Lord and do good
• Take delight in the Lord
• Commit your way to the Lord
• Be still before the Lord
• Refrain from anger and turn from wrath

Practicing these habits will enhance each day. Without trust in God, we only have man to trust in---that's not nearly enough, nor beneficial. We all know that humans are lacking in the perfection department. We are not trustworthy on our own.  Only Jesus can cultivate this trait in us. Because He Died.

Because He Died, we can take delight in Him. We can enjoy how he loves, how he cares for us, and how he guides and protects us.

Doing anything on our own is not productive, nor wise. Even the smallest chore or concern, when shared with Jesus in prayer (or in your journal -- if you are like me), is submitted to Him, not relying on ourselves. He cares about all aspects of our life and each day. Because He Died, we have the freedom to live for Him.

This world is a loud place to live. The TV blares, our phones buzz, Facebook beckons, Instagram share pictures and twitter is alive with opinions. The most profound direction comes from quiet times with God. Daily stillness before the Lord.

The way to cultivate love is to refrain from anger and turn from wrath. This holds true in our family relationships, the workplace and when in public. Love is always the answer and is available Because He Died.

Wicked Vs. Godly: Who Wins?

Psalm 37

We are in week 3 of the "Thank-full" series at UALC.  Psalm 37 is full of hope for those who trust God.  For those who don't?  Not so much.  In fact, this psalm of David does not mince words about what will happen to the wicked:

• they will soon wither and die away (v. 2)
• those who are evil will be destroyed (v. 9)
• the wicked will be no more (v. 10)
• the Lord laughs at the wicked - he knows their day is coming (v. 13)
• their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken (v. 15)
• the power of the wicked will be broken (v. 17)
• the wicked will perish (v. 20)
• those the Lord curses will be destroyed (v. 22)
• wrongdoers will be completely destroyed - and their offspring (v. 298)
• all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked (v. 38)

We can all agree we don't want to throw our lot in with the wicked, can't we?  So how can we cultivate a heart that is full of thankfulness for what God has done for us?  Let's take a look at the other side of the coin:

• Trust in the Lord and do good (v. 3)
• Take delight in the Lord (v. 4)
• Commit your way to the Lord (v. 5)
• Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him (v. 7)
• Turn from anger and turn from wrath (v. 8)
• The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him (v. 23)
• Turn from evil and do good (v. 27)
• Hope in the Lord and keep his way (v. 34)
• Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace (v. 37)

Look at the active verbs:  trust, delight, commit, hope.  God has given us his word, and it is a roadmap for how to live a godly life.  And, thanks be to God, he has given us his son.  We can't be 'good' on our own, but we can ask the Holy Spirit to daily make us more like Him.