For a Good Outcome...

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Psalm 35-38

Think

Psalm 37:1-9 “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. … Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret — it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”

We’ve all been told, in some form or fashion, that specific actions will lead to specific outcomes. It starts in early childhood. If you finish your dinner, you can have dessert. If you disobey, you will have to sit in time out. If you get good grades, you will be rewarded. In today’s reading, David does just that. He gave the people of Israel specific action steps that would result in specific blessings.

We can learn from this promise and we see how God will also faithfully provide for us as well.

When was the last time you traded in your worry for God’s peace? How about taking delight in the Lord and believing what He says about you instead of what others might say? When was the last time you chose to find joy and hope in God even though your circumstance led you to believe otherwise? How about committing to follow God, not only on Sunday morning, but throughout every day? When was the last time you chose to be still before God and wait on His timing? Are you letting go of anger and pursuing grace? How about trusting God instead of fretting over circumstances beyond your control?

Instead of wondering why you don’t see God moving in your life, ask yourself, “Am I intentional in my relationship with Christ?” God wants to do so much in and through you, but just like any relationship, you have to put in work to see things happen. God is pursuing you. Are you pursuing Him? Because when you take the action steps above and press into the Lord, He will deliver on His promises every time!

Act

Pray

Dear God, Thank You for the promises You have made. Help me be intentional in my pursuit of having a strong personal relationship with You. Amen.