ICS Daily Devotions
Don’t Fret, Stay Cool!
Psalm 37:1, 14-15 (NKJV) Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity….The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
The definition of a trailblazer is someone who blazes a trail for others to follow through unsettled country or wilderness; a pathfinder or pioneer in any field of endeavour.
King David exemplified the qualities of a trailblazer when he came forward to take up the challenge against Goliath while the rest of the army of Israel hid in fear. What set David apart from the others was his personal experience with God, especially the knowledge of his covenantal rights. The army led by King Saul only surged forward towards the Philistines after David had killed Goliath. The fearlessness of David sparked off confidence and courage in the entire army to conquer and pursue their enemy¬—that’s the work and hallmark of a trailblazer. Similarly, our faith and confidence as we live our lives and conduct business according to God’s way will blaze a trail for many other Christian believers to follow.
The first quality of a trailblazer is not to fret over the workers of iniquity. None of us is completely sheltered from schemes of evildoers, who may plot against us in one form or another. However, through this passage, the Lord teaches us to be undeterred, to allow time and events to play out so that we will witness how “their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken”. If the intent of the wicked was motivated by the devil or their own sinful nature, they will reap what they have sown in their lives. We, on the other hand, are to take charge of our emotions and not fret or allow the devil to steal our joy and peace.
The original meaning of “fret” (Hebrew “charah”) in this passage is to burn, to be kindled with anger, to worry or to be provoked into rivalry, jealousy and anger. When we fret, there is a stirring of emotions—anger, frustration, and injustice—as though our blood is boiling in reaction to unpleasant comments or actions. When our flesh takes over to retaliate against the people whom we are fretting over, not only would our judgement be affected, but we can also become prone to make decisions which we may later regret. In fact, we can become so engrossed or consumed by the experience that it destroys our resilience, effectiveness, and even the desire to pursue our next breakthrough.
David is known as a man who was after God’s own heart. He personally encountered all kinds of evildoers in his life. Yet he advised us in his psalms not to be angry, frustrated, irritated or worried when evildoers prosper. Likewise, let us not allow our blood pressure to rise up within us when we encounter evildoers or wicked deeds, but let us stay cool like King David!
Sermon Series: Trailblazer
