(a personalized psalm)
“Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
–Psalm 37:3 NIV
I praise you, oh God, that you are trustworthy. Your motives are always pure, your guidance always wise, your actions always righteous. Everything you do in my life is for my good.
Now, Father, I want to do good for you. May I dedicate myself each day to fulfill the to-do list you’ve designed. Remind me that interruptions may be divine appointments, ordained by you to accomplish a specific purpose.
I praise you that I can “dwell in the land and live securely” (v. 3, HCSB). How comforting to know my dwelling place is in you (John 15:5), where I find:
- Refuge (Psalm 46:1)
- Good things (Psalm 65:4)
- Rest (Psalm 91:1)
- Enjoyment of all your glorious attributes (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Delight yourself in the Lord
And he will give you the desires of your heart.
–Psalm 37:4 NIV
At first glance it would appear this verse teaches that as long as I’m worshiping you, you’ll grant what I want. But that would discount your wisdom, compelling you to do only what’s good for me.
No, undergirding this verse is an important truth: the more I delight in you, the more I’ll want what you want. Your desires become my desires, as I’m influenced by your infinite wisdom.
I praise you, Father, that steadily over time you have molded my spirit to be more accepting of your delights. Jeremiah’s words are more readily becoming my prayer: “As for me, I am in your hands, do with me whatever you think is good and right” (26:14*).
I praise you, too, that when a particular delight of my heart does not come to pass, you ultimately cause it to melt away!
Commit your way to the Lord;
Trust in him and he will do this.”
Psalm 37:5 NIV
I praise you, oh God, that you provide guidance in what I should do, wisdom for how to accomplish that plan, and strength to see it to completion. I can depend upon your enablement for success in the endeavors you have ordained.
How comforting to know:
- This is your world (Psalm 24:1). That includes the little corner where I live and work and love. I can relax, knowing that Someone much wiser and stronger is in charge.
- You’ve already planned out the events of my life in advance (Psalm 139:16). You don’t make decisions as you go along, nor do you leave everything to chance.
- Your plan is good (Jeremiah 29:11). No matter what happens, good will come out of it.
With your goodness that desires my highest welfare, your wisdom to plan it, and your power to achieve, I. Lack. No. Good. Thing!**
All praise to you, my loving Heavenly Father!
___________________________________________
* These words of Jeremiah were not a prayer to God, but a response to the officials of Judah who wanted the prophet sentenced to death. However, when addressed to God, they do communicate heartfelt trust and submission to Him.
** Based on a quote from A. W. Tozer: “With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack?”
(Art credit: www.pinterest.com; http://www.holy-bible.org; http://www.indulgy.com.)
From the Inside Out 