Three times in Psalm 37, David calls upon followers of God, “Do not fret.” “Do not fret because of evildoers” (37:1). “Do not fret because of him who prospers in the way” (37:7). “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret” (37:8). The choices of others and their negative impact on us can often distract us, discourage us and distress us. So, God says, “Don’t fret about it.” That’s easy to say but not always easy to do. How can that be done?
Read the surrounding verses and digest each of these thoughts separately for a moment. “Trust in the Lord” (37:3). “Do good” (37:3). “Delight yourself in the Lord” (37:4). “Rest in the Lord” (37:7). “Wait patiently for Him” (37:7). “Wait on the Lord” (37:9). If I am doing all of that, what do I have to “fret”? And, after saying it the third time, David added, “Do not fret—it only causes harm” (37:8).
Now read the last verse of the psalm: “And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him” (37:40). What a promise!
