Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the man who carries out evil plans. Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated – it can only bring harm. For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land. Psalm 37:7-9
My words…
Praise
I am surrounded by hate. I live in a society where hate-filled words and actions stain the pages and airwaves of mass media. Malicious speech enters every ear like a sharpened spike while violent scenes scorch the eyes. Respect for one another has been tossed aside and replaced with scorn. Kindness and respect huddle alone on the garbage heap of my country. Yes, I am agitated. While citizens of the same nation draw lines across the concrete and shout insults at each other, Satan chuckles. As people of one race deride those of another, the Devil’s angels congratulate each other. I wonder: Where is the good? Then I am reminded that I see only one small glimpse of what You see and have seen. Up until the time of this Psalm, You had watched the weak and innocent suffer and haughty evil-doers claim victories. You are witness to every offense, taunt, abuse, incivility, and indignity. You have set apart those who delight in evil, and You have determined their future. And today, I praise You as the God of justice, the God who will not allow evil to overpower good. By Your right arm, the wicked will be called to answer the questions of the holy One who has seen everything. Satan won’t be chuckling then.
Prayer for me
I was prompted by a friend to watch a praise video, one of a man and his guitar singing words of adoration to You and encouragement to me. In the corner of the screen, I noticed that over 2 million people had watched this same video – two million who chose to listen to praise over derision. These two million had figured out how to assuage agitation! As I watched and listened, silent before You, my hope was strengthened, and my turmoil relieved. Help me turn to You when my agitation is accelerated by the actions of the worldly. Remind me where true peace is found.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I lose hope, when I see evil as an uncontrollable fire, burning up society around me. And forgive my lack of faith. You control the fire. And You see the fire-starters.
Prayer for others
Lord, I pray for those who feel called to spread disrespectful, hate-filled messages in open forums – messages that tear down, not build up. I know there is a way for them to learn how destructive they can be. I leave it in Your loving hands to teach them.
More praise
Your powerful promises of justice are stone walls without cracks, protecting me from despair, hopelessness, and anger. Weapons of hate will not penetrate or weaken Your promises. The day will come when the searing burn of hateful rhetoric will be soothed by the balm of Your righteousness. Those inside the wall wait silently and expectantly for that day. I am humbled to be among them.
