Taking Care of Business

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.” Psalm 37:1 NLT

The first part of Psalm 37 directs our focus on what we can and should in living our lives in the midst of wronging and wickedness. Psalm 37:1 and Psalm 37:7 form brackets around the verses in between. Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong” (v. 1) Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” (v. 7)

In David’s day, like ours it can seem that all that is opposed to God and His principles are “winning.” It is easy to focus on all that is wrong and that we would like to see “go away” or change. The other temptation is to play be their rules. But this psalm calls us to a different standard a higher focus.

The intervening verses tell us how to “take care of business.” In other words, instead of anxiety over that which we can’t change, we must focus on what we can do. Scripture is clear that the wicked are temporary, the godly are eternal.

Here are the commands, here is what we are to focus on….

  • “Trust in the Lord and do good….” (v. 3)
  • “Delight yourself in the Lord.” (v. 4)
  • “Commit everything you do to the Lord.” (v. 5)
  • “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.” (v. 6)

Those priorities by themselves speak volumes. They show us how we bring focus to our lives, even when it seems like evil prevails and wickedness wins.

However, this psalm gives us the anticipated outcome the benefit, of focusing our lives and attitudes aright.

When we trust in the Lord, we have confidence in the Lord’s protection and provision, “you will live safely in the land and prosper.”

When we delight in the Lord we align our hearts with His the promise is, “…He will give you your heart’s desires.”

When we commit everything we do to the Lord and trust Him we are given the assurance, “…He will help you.”

When we focus on the Lord’s presence and wait patiently for Him to act we have the confidence, He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.” (v. 6)

This psalm emphasizes that the wicked “will not last.” In response to their arrogance and schemes and confidence, “…the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.” (Psalm 37:13 NLT)

There is certainly a time and place to take a stand. To speak out. But our focus is not be to on that which is wrong, but a commitment to that which is “right.” Trusting in the Lord, committing our lives to Him, seeking His presence, waiting on the Lord, making Him our delight.

I am reminded how those who are trained to detect counterfeit money, don’t focus on the fakes, but on the real. I believe there is a good application. When our hearts and minds are focused on the Lord and what pleases Him, we will be better prepared to see the “fakes” and be used by Him in a world headed toward destruction.

Prayer for today….. Lord, help us to follow Your plan for our life. May our lives be lived in Your presence committed fully to Your ways and purposes for our lives in this world.