Choosing a word for 2024 means focusing on a theme or concept that needs improvement in your life. For me, I chose the word rest based on a passage from Psalms. Yet, the word rest is not necessarily what you may think it means. It doesn’t mean to sleep; not inactivity.
In today's fast-paced and competitive world, it is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success and the comparison game. We often find ourselves fretting and becoming anxious when we see others achieving their goals or seemingly prospering while we are still waiting for our own breakthroughs. However, Psalm 37:7 encourages us to take a step back, be still, and trust in the Lord's timing and plan for our lives.
To "be still" before the Lord means to quiet our hearts and minds, to let go of our worries and anxieties, and to find peace in His presence. It is a call to surrender our desires, plans, and expectations to God, knowing that He is in control and has a perfect plan for our lives. Being still before the Lord requires us to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when things may not make sense or seem fair.
Waiting patiently for the Lord can be challenging, especially when we live in a culture that values instant gratification and quick results. However, the Bible repeatedly reminds us of the importance of patience and endurance. In James 1:4, we are told, "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Waiting patiently allows us to grow in character, faith, and dependence on God. It is during these seasons of waiting that we learn to rely on His strength and trust in His faithfulness.
The second part of Psalm 37:7 advises us not to fret when people succeed in their ways or carry out wicked schemes. It is natural to feel envious or discouraged when we see others achieving their goals or seemingly prospering through dishonest means. However, this scripture reminds us that our focus should not be on comparing ourselves to others or being consumed by jealousy. Instead, we are called to trust in God's justice and righteousness. We can find comfort in knowing that God sees everything and will ultimately bring justice and judgment.
Fretting and worrying about the success of others only distracts us from our own journey and hinders our ability to fully trust in God. It robs us of the joy and peace that come from embracing our own unique path and purpose. Instead of being consumed by comparison, we should focus on cultivating gratitude for what we have and trusting in God's provision for our lives.
Psalm 37:7 is a powerful reminder to be still before the Lord, wait patiently, and trust in His timing and plan for our lives. It encourages us to surrender our worries, anxieties, and desires to God, knowing that He is in control and has a perfect plan for us. It reminds us to be patient and endure through seasons of waiting, allowing God to shape and mold us. And it cautions us against fretting and comparing ourselves to others, reminding us to trust in God's justice and righteousness. May we find comfort, peace, and strength in embracing the message of Psalm 37:7 and living it out in our daily lives.
