Sometimes in our walk with the Lord we struggle simply because we do not understand the adversity that comes into our lives. It is not that we are about to lose our faith or leave the Lord. It is because we are perplexed about what is happening at the moment. It is remarkable how that at times like this, even the smallest troubles can cause so much stress.
Evidently, David had such times in his life, and his words can help us deal with frustration. The opening paragraph of Psalm 37 begins with the words, “Fret not.” Eight verses later, David again tells us not to fret over matters. How do we deal with the complexity of our lives? Between the two “frets” David mentions four actions we should do which can really help us.
“Trust in the Lord and do good” (v. 3). One fundamental aspect of our character must be that we trust God. He knows! He sees! He cares! We become depressed and turn inward. These words of David point us in the other direction. Instead of pulling back and magnifying our problems, David reminds us to become active in our lives. The best cure for our frustrations is to look outward and, to use the words of Paul, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).
“Delight yourself also in the Lord” (v. 4). Perhaps the cause of our frustration is that we have thought that true happiness comes from living a life without stress. A man once came to the Savior and was so troubled. Evidently his father had died and his own brother refused to share the inheritance. Think about these words of Jesus: “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). Yet, when we think that “things” are so important, we lose sight of the spiritual treasures and joy found in the Lord.
“Commit your way to the Lord” (v. 5). Remember Gethsemane. Jesus was so troubled with all that was happening, and He prayed to God. It is not wrong for us to pray even over the smallest matters. Yet, notice how Jesus ended His prayer. After asking God to remove that cup of suffering which lay before Him, the Lord said, “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). The fretfulness of stress is overwhelming when we think we know what is the best way for us.
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (v. 7). Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. Turn them over to God. Lay those burdens and patiently wait for Him. To paraphrase the words of Paul—do not be fretful about anything, but pray about everything and the peace of God will come to you to guide you (see Phil. 4:6-7). Wait for Him.
Brethren, hear His words—“Fret not.”