This morning we read in preparation for worship:
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!
The english word "fret" might be a little light. It describes the bubbling of fermentation. The Hebrew word charah describes a burning fire of your own making. You look to your neighbor's condition and burn with envy. You follow the rules. They don't. They prosper with immediate satisfaction. You are asked to wait!
Many years ago, after nine years serving at the home office of the SIM missionary agency, I was let go as a prudent cost-cutting measure when software became available off the shelf. We found ourselves unemployed and with small children. Yes, I "fretted".
But one morning, during quiet time, I read this Psalm. Then I went to church to pick up groceries that the women of children's ministry purchased for us. Two large paper bags (remember them?). To pick them up I had to bear hug the pair of them. I could barely see over the top of them because sticking out the top were loaves of fresh bread that criss-crossed my face.
I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.
Not only does the LORD care for our current circumstances, this Psalm reminds us that those circumstances must be held in an eternal perspective.
For the Lord loves justice;
he will not forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
Evil will end. What we will enjoy will not.
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