FRET NOT… Psalm 37

I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. (2 Peter 1:13-15 ESV)

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! (Psalm 37:1 ESV) 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! (Psalm 37:7 ESV) Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. (Psalm 37:8 ESV)

Fret- literally, to glow or grow warm Figuratively, to blaze up

And as soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses' anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain. (Exodus 32:19 ESV) “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.” And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the LORD all night. (1 Samuel 15:11 ESV)

but for Cain and his offering he had no regard but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? (Genesis 4:5-6 ESV) But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. (Jonah 4:1 ESV)

Fret- literally, to glow or grow warm Figuratively, to blaze up Actually… to burn with anger, for good or bad

5 point map to Defretville V. 3- trust in the Lord – spiritual satisfaction V. 4- delight in the Lord – emotional satisfaction V. 5- commit to the Lord – mental satisfaction V. 7- be still, wait on the Lord – self control V. 8- cease the burn – the end result

For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. (Psalm 37:9 ESV) But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. (Psalm 37:11 ESV) for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off. (Psalm 37:22 ESV) The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. (Psalm 37:29 ESV) Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. (Psalm 37:34 ESV)

“inherit the land” ? Already had land literally Land represented blessing, care and provision

The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright; (Psalm 37:12-14 ESV) Still happening today… Government Courts Media Lobbying groups

Fret not… V. 10- wicked will be no more V. 15- sword will enter their own heart V. 17- arms will be broken V. 20- wicked will perish, vanish away

The Lord knows the days of the Blameless The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance. But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away. (Psalm 37:18-20 ESV)

The Lord knows the days of the Blameless They have a heritage Are rescued in need And are provided for

The Lord knows the days of the Blameless 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. (Psalm 37:25-26 ESV) Generational influence

The Lord knows the days of the Blameless Generational influence How shall we get there? V. 26- sets an example for his children V. 27- turns from evil to do good V. 30- speaks wisdom and justice V. 31- law of God is in his heart

Don’t fret, see the end of the wicked and the righteous V. 34-38- the wicked don’t last, are destroyed V. 39-40- the righteous are saved, helped and delivered Don’t fret, set your heart on things above