Do Not Fret
Practical Applications from Psalm 37
God’s Word says, do not fret about evildoers, but do you say, “That is impossible. Does God not see the violence, injustice, and corruption I see daily?”
When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3
Indeed, everywhere we turn these days, we see the crumbling of institutions that once protected the order and well-being of societies. And now, with increasing threats to our security, we often feel overwhelmed and powerless, which causes anger and resentment.
So, if this describes you, Psalm 37 will first show you God’s perspective about the wicked. And then, this Psalm gives practical applications to break the cycle of living in a constant state of anxiety. Moreover, God’s Word answers your first question. “Does God see what is happening in my life and the world?” And the answer is yes, He does. And because He knows everything about your day, He wants you to trust Him.
From heaven, the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place, he watches all who live on earth–He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. Psalm 33:13-15
Do Not Fret When the Godless Prevail
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass, they will soon wither, like green plants, they will soon die away. Psalm 37:1-2
Today, evil men and women no longer hide behind masks, so there is much to dread when we hear of their plans. Thus, it is essential to remember that God is righteous and loves justice. Indeed, the Lord says, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” So, allow this truth to be your anchor when the wicked succeed, and the justice system fails.
Also, soberly consider that the wicked may prosper for a season, but after death comes God’s judgment. Consequently, the wicked have no future unless given the opportunity to hear the gospel. So, we all have work to do. After all, who might you be today if someone had not shared Jesus with you?
For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. Psalm 37:9
The Wicked Need Jesus
So, instead of fretting over things you cannot control, place your confidence in God alone. Then, as you trust Jesus with your life on earth, you are freed up to do kingdom work. For instance, pray that the lawbreakers will repent of their sins and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior whenever you watch the news. And then, by faith, be determined to shine the love of Jesus wherever you go and always be ready to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Undoubtedly, as you focus on Jesus and the work He has for you, ♫ the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. ♫
Why Fret when You can Trust Jesus
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37:3
After all that you do for your children, how would you feel if they still did not trust you? So, likewise, God loves you and wants to protect you from the emotional toll of negative thinking and the accompanying anger it produces. But how can He help you when you prefer to rely on yourself instead of Him?
Hence, are you ready to step off the throne of your life and allow God to rule? If so, first confess your sin of independence. Then, ask God to help you prioritize Him by setting aside time to pray and read God’s Word. And this is important because faith comes from the Word of God. Therefore, reading the Bible is as vital to your spiritual health as eating is to your physical health. Indeed, God speaks to you through His Word.
And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.
Trust and Obey
The more you get to know God through the pages of the Bible, the sooner you begin to realize that Jesus is the source of everything you need. And when you believe in God’s promises to provide and protect, you will find that fear and anxiety disappear. As a result, you can then focus on the good works God called you to do by faith.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Delight in the Lord and Worry Disappears
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37: 4
The Presence of the Lord in your life is the expression of His deep and abiding love for you. But do you enjoy your relationship with Jesus, or are daily concerns crowding Him out? If the latter, it is not surprising that you feel troubled and overwhelmed. So, ponder this: Once, while in the throes of fretting, Jesus asked me whose life I was living, my life or His?
You will always have the choice to “freak out” or trust the Lord and find your security in Him. Thus, are you ready to stop handling life alone and bring all your worries to Jesus? If so, tell Jesus your troubles now and ask Him to help you. And to remind yourself to focus on Jesus daily, review the following verse.
Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4
Put God in Charge and Do Not Fret
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6
God does not want you to live a stressed-out life, so He asks you to relinquish control and allow Him to lead. And this means you entrust everything to Him—your life, family, job, and possessions. Indeed, all that you have comes from God and belongs to Him. Do you believe this? Then, put God in charge, and your faith will protect you from fear and all the “what ifs” of living in an unbelieving world.
And never forget that Jesus bought you with the price of His sinless blood, so your life belongs to Him. Accordingly, allow Jesus to live His life through you by faith, and He will navigate you through this present evil age.
If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24
Fretting Leads to Evil
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; Do not fret–it only leads to evil. Psalm 37:8
Nothing causes us to fume more than when evil people prosper and flourish because they are powerful and politically connected. Thus, they can skirt the justice system while others pay the price for doing the same thing. Furthermore, their wicked schemes intentionally hurt us and others.
But there is a point when righteous anger becomes hatred. Because the more you focus on what the wicked do, the more exasperated, outraged, and deeply resentful you become. Consequently, festering anger opens the door for the devil to control you instead of the Holy Spirit. And the result is an evil tongue full of deadly poison that curses others. But as usual, God has a better way—Be Still.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
Wait Patiently for God to Act
Instead of angrily reacting when the godless prosper and becoming a casualty of sin, God commands you to be still and silent. Because then you are more likely to keep your focus on Jesus and wait expectantly for Him to act. And in the meantime, this prayer of faith is a good one: I don’t know what to do, Lord, but my eyes are on you.
For the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. Psalm 37: 17
A Godly Perspective Prevents Fretting
Animosity towards Christians is increasing as the Day of the Lord draws near. But Jesus warned His disciples and us about the world’s hatred.
Jesus said, “if the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. John 15:18-19
For the believer, the life of Jesus is our life, so we depend on Him by faith. Indeed, Jesus is building His Kingdom on earth, where His servants are preparing to live forever with Him in heaven. Thus, we have hope and a future, but the wicked do not so pray for those who persecute you as Jesus commanded.
But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked. Psalm 37:38
So, as you see the world lining up against its Creator, it is imperative that you not lose heart but instead persevere in your faith. Because God reveals His power to those who believe in Him and rewards those who seek Him. Thus, look to God alone for the peace and joy that only he can give you.
Finally, when you trust God to judge wrongdoers, you can turn from evil and do good, knowing the battle belongs to the Lord.
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Psalm 37 Summary Applications
The Word of God, Psalm 37, begins with this command: “Do not fret because of those who are evil.” So, review this Psalm’s practical applications, then rely on the Lord Jesus Christ by faith to apply them.
- Do not neglect the Word of God and prayer.
The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip. Psalm 37:31
- Consider where evildoers will spend eternity without repentance. Then, be alert to opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Delight yourself in the Lord and leave all judgment to Him.
The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming. Psalm 37:12-13
More Do Not Fret Applications
- Instead of fretting, trust in the Lord and do the good works He has planned for you.
Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Psalm 37:27-28
- Commit your way to the Lord and follow Him by faith.
- Place your hope in the Lord, refrain from anger, and turn from wrath.
Hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it. Psalm 37:34
- Instead of fretting when the wicked prosper, be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.
- Worry is not faith, so do not fret; it only leads to evil. Always remember that the battle belongs to the Lord.
God is Sovereign, so Do Not Fret
The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19
Never forget that God is sovereign, so everyone has a purpose, even the wicked, as He works out His eternal plan. So then, we are commanded not to fret because God is in control, which means that nothing is ever random or happenstance. And remember that no matter what happens on earth, Jesus promises never to leave or forsake you. So, allow God to rule and do not fret; trust in Jesus and continue to do good.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him. Psalm 37:39-40
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Bible study for “Do Not Fret”
Week 1: 2 Kings 18:28-37; 19:1-37; 2 Chronicles 20:5-15; Psalms 1:1-6; 2:1-12; 11:1-7; 27:1-8, 13-14; 33:1-22; 34:1-22; 36:1-12; 37:1-40; 39:4-7; 55:1-11, 16-19, 22-23; 56:1-13; 62:5-8; 73:1-28; 86:5-7, 11-13, 15; 89:1-2, 5-8, 11-18; 91:1-16; 94:1-23; 97:1-12; 121:1-8; 123:1-4; 139:16-18, 23-24; 141:8-10; 149:4-5; Proverbs 3:5-7; 14:19, 34
Week 2: Proverbs 16:3-9, 20, 32; 23:17-18; 24:19-20; Ecclesiastes 7:9-10, 13-14; Isaiah 5:20; 8:11-13; 10:1-4; 40:8, 12-15, 21-26, 28-31; 46:4, 9-10; 47:8-15; 54:16-17; 55:6-11; 57:20-21; 59:1-21; Jeremiah 32:17-19, 26-27; Micah 5:15; 7:7; Habakkuk 1:1-5; 2:2-3; 3:16-19; Malachi 3:14-18; 4:1-3; Matthew 5:43-48; 6:25-34; 10:26-33
Week 3: Matthew 11:28-30; 13:40-43; John 12:23-26; 14:1, 27; 15:5-11, 18-26; 16:1-4, 33; 18:36-37; Romans 8:18-19; 28-30; 10:8-13, 17; 11:33-36; 12:1-2, 21; 15:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 1:3-5; 6:9-10; Ephesians 4:26-27, 29-32; 5:15-17; 6:10-20; Philippians 3:20-21; 4:4-13, 19-20; Colossians 1:12-14; 3:1-4, 8, 15-17; 4:2
Week 4: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, 13, 16; 1 Timothy 2:8; 2 Timothy 1:7; 2:11-16, 23-26; 3:1-5, 10-17; Hebrews 1:8-12; 2:14-18; 4:12-16; 10:32-39; 11:1, 6, 24-27; 12:1-3, 14-15; 13:5-8, 20-21; James 1:2-8, 12, 19-25; 3:5-12; 4:4-10, 13-17; 1 Peter 2:11-17; 3:8-17; 4:12-19; 5:6-11; 2 Peter 2:4-9, 13; 3:3-18; 1 John 2:15-17; 5:1-5
