Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 2

 

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. 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! (Psalm 37:1-7 ESV).

 

Our reading today is one of those that call our attention to the level of satisfaction we perceive as we naturally compare ourselves to others. It almost recalls the familiar lament of “That’s just not fair!” Our culture demands more loudly today than perhaps ever before that life be “fair.” Inevitably our satisfaction and peace suffer under this premise.

 

I remember one experience in particular that took place many years ago while fishing with my dear friend, Jamie McClain. We were in a small fishing boat trolling near the bank fishing with various artificial baits for largemouth bass. Since the trolling motor was at the front of the boat, Jamie sat there to operate it. That left me with the rear seat. I was a bit of a problem since he managed to always face the boat perpendicular to the bank. He asked why I wasn’t catching as many fish as he was to which I quickly responded, “Well, you’re only giving me the used water.” We had a good laugh (and still do). The principle in my retort was that I didn’t feel like I was being treated fairly. He got to cast to the spots first.

 

Of course, this is not as big a problem as many have faced with inequality and prejudice through their life’s journey. But, the principle remains. “Fair” was not the question. Satisfaction and peace were. I wasn’t satisfied, nor did I feel at peace about the circumstance. After all, I was sure I could catch as many or more fish as he did, if I just had a better position. I completely forgot my Dad’s old proverb about “fishin’ not being the same as catchin’.” The joy should have been in the activity, not the results. After all, what could have been better than spending a few hours on a beautiful lake with a good friend, telling all our tall tales, and giving one another a hard time? Key is always in recognizing that relationship always trumps results. No wonder David says, “Trust in the Lord.” That relationship brings the ultimate satisfaction and peace if we embrace it. Delight yourself in the Lord!