“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” Psalm 37:7-8
What!? In the hustle and bustle of life, amidst the noise and chaos, the Lord calls us to stillness. The Bible exhorts us to be still before Him, cultivating a spirit of patience as we wait upon His perfect timing, acknowledging that God is in control and has a perfect plan for every situation. Keep a peaceful and composed heart, free from anxiety or agitation, knowing that God is faithful and will act according to His wisdom and righteousness. Be willing to wait for God’s timing to unfold rather than trying to rush ahead or take matters into our own hands.
When we see others achieving success through questionable means or obtaining things we desire, it can be tempting to become anxious or envious.
David said, “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Psalm 73:2-3
Instead of being consumed by jealousy or discontentment when others prosper through wrong means, we should focus on our relationship with God and trust His justice, recognising that God sees and knows everything, including the actions and motivations of people. He will ultimately bring justice and righteousness to every situation.
Our focus should remain steadfastly on God, knowing that He is just and faithful. He sees our hearts, knows our desires, and will fulfill His promises in His time. In 2 Cor 10:12, Paul warns against the folly of comparing ourselves with others, especially those who boast about themselves. He emphasises that true wisdom comes from measuring ourselves against the standard of Christ and seeking to fulfill the purposes God has uniquely designed for each of us.
Therefore, take heart and find strength in the Lord’s presence. Embrace the peace that comes from resting in His will. Let go of worry and comparison, and instead, invest your energy in seeking His kingdom and His righteousness. For in due season, He will lift you up and fulfill the desires of your heart.
Be still before the Lord, demonstrating trust and patience in His timing. Avoid being consumed by jealousy or frustration when witnessing the success of the wicked. Refrain from anger and avoid a path that leads to evil consequences.