Tag Archives: Peace

Fret Not

Posted on by
Reply

pexels-photo-277870.jpeg

Reading the Word

Psalm 37:7–11 (ESV)

7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! 8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. 10 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. 11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Understanding and Applying the Word

In this psalm we find the phrase “fret not yourself” repeated three times. The phrase appears as the first words of Psalm 37:1 and then again in verses 7 and 8. The Hebrew word translated as fret means “to be heated or enraged”. It has the idea of getting angry over the success of the wicked (cf. verse 8). Proverbs 24:19 repeats this instruction.

Rather than allow ourselves to get angry because evildoers seem to prosper, we are told to “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him”. What does this mean? We are to trust that God knows and that he will take care of these things. Evil and those who participate in it will be judged. The wicked will be no more and those who trust in and depend on the Lord will inherit the land and dwell in peace.

When we read the end of the Bible, Revelation 21 tells us what awaits those who are the people of God. There will be a new heaven and a new earth where sin and evil are no more. God will dwell with his people and there will be peace. The meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). What a day that will be!

**Shaped by the Word is a daily Bible reading devotional. Please use the links at the bottom to subscribe to this page. You can also share this post with your friends through social media using the buttons below. Thanks for reading!

Advertisements

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Posted on by
Reply

pexels-photo-693776.jpeg

Reading the Word

Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Understanding and Applying the Word

Psalm 23 is one of the most recognizable passages in all of Scripture. It is beloved by many and is a source of great comfort for all who believe its message. In it, God is pictured as a gentle and caring shepherd who provides for his sheep. The psalmist tells us that God’s provision is such that his sheep “shall not want”. They lack nothing.

God also is pictured as a constant companion, even in the difficult times of life. In the valley of the shadow of death God is there and is a source of comfort. In the presence of enemies who would do harm, God takes care of his people and provides abundantly.

Wherever you may be and whatever you are facing, you can find comfort in knowing that the Good Shepherd is with you and will provide for you. And one day his children will be home and with him forever.

**Shaped by the Word is a daily Bible reading devotional. Please use the links at the bottom to subscribe to this page. You can also share this post with your friends through social media using the buttons below. Thanks for reading!

In Peace I Lie Down and Sleep

Posted on by
1

pexels-photo-101523.jpeg

Reading the Word

Psalm 4:1–8 (ESV)

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Understanding and Applying the Word

David begins this psalm with a prayer to God. He then goes on to appeal to men to turn from their ways and to seek after God. The word that is used for “men” in verse 2 is one that refers to men of high rank. David’s concern is that they would turn to God for their fulfillment. He then calls on these men to live their lives in obedience. As the psalm comes to a close, David once again calls out to God to bless the people and reflects upon the blessings he has already received. Because of God’s presence, David can lie down in safety.

What is it that you seek to fulfill your life? Is it wealth? Is it a spouse? Children? A rewarding career? What is it that you seek above all other things? If it is anything other than God it is an idol and a lie. It cannot fulfill you. Only with God can we find joy and contentment in all circumstances. And only in God can we lie down at night and rest peacefully knowing our lives are secure.

**Shaped by the Word is a daily Bible reading devotional. Please use the links at the bottom to subscribe to this page. You can also share this post with your friends through social media using the buttons below. Thanks for reading!