Finding the Peace of God when Life Doesn’t’ Seem Fair
Psalm 37
Jim Doyle

1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
be not envious of wrongdoers!
2 For they will soon fade like the grass
and wither like the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
7 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!
8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9 For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
10 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
11 But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Introduction: The Psalmist as sage

Avoid The Slippery Slope of Despondency
1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers;

A sinful desire
be not envious of wrongdoers!

A fading future
2 For they will soon fade like the grass
and wither like the green herb.

Pursue the Devine Defense for Tranquility

Trust in The Lord
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Delight Yourself in the Lord
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit Your Way to the Lord
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.

Rest in (be still before) The Lord
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

Perceive The Promise of Devine Retribution
They have no future (verse 9)
They have no Legacy (Verse 10)

Implications – take aways

the temptation of despondency is a temptation to unbelief
The Temptation of Despondency Must be met with Faith
Example of Christ in the Garden – Matthew 26:36-39
Be Prepared for Battle – Ephesians 6:1-10
Pursue trusted relationships
Cultivate transparent fellowship
Enlist their help
Roll it over to God
rest in the sovereign will of God