1) Five Steps to Peace (Psalm 37:3-8) (Mike Johnson)
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Five Steps to Peace
(Psalm 37:3-8)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMike\u00a0 Johnson
\u201cDo not fret<\/u> because of evildoers, nor be envious<\/u> of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb\u201d <\/strong>(Ps. 37:1-2).
<\/strong>When we think of the word \u201cfret,\u201d we may think of someone excessively worrying or frequently anxious.<\/em> However, the Hebrew word used here (charah) means \u201cto be hot, to be furious, to burn, to become angry, to be kindled\u201d (The Online Bible Thayer\u2019s Greek Lexicon & Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon). Most translators translate the Hebrew word in the text as \u201cfret.\u201d Elsewhere, however, it is rendered with such words as \u201cwrath,\u201d \u201canger,\u201d \u201chot,\u201d or \u201ckindled.\u201d In addition, various modern translations may translate it by words \u201cannoyed\u201d or \u201cupset.\u201d Thus, the idea is not to be angry<\/em> or \u201cworked up\u201d<\/em> regarding evildoers or envy<\/em> them (1b). Why would someone be tempted to react this way? It is because of the prosperity and, seemingly, good life. Jeremiah asked, in Jeremiah 12:1<\/strong>, \u201cWhy does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?\u201d
There are times when God\u2019s people face many difficulties in life. Like others, Christians can face money problems, mistreatment, illnesses, the death of loved ones, and relationship issues. Yet people who make no pretense of serving God seem not to be experiencing such matters, as everything appears to be going well for them. Looking at the prosperity of evil people, God\u2019s followers might tend to get discouraged. This discouragement especially appears when EVERYTHING seems to be going wrong, and they hit \u201crock bottom.\u201d However, it is ridiculous to be envious of evildoers.
<\/strong>Verse 2 points out that these evildoers will soon be \u201ccut down like the green grass,\u201d <\/strong>and they will \u201cwither\u201d<\/strong> as the \u201cgreen herb.\u201d<\/strong> Their prosperity only lasts for this short life. Righteous people, however, have much more going for them. In Proverbs 24:19-20<\/strong>, Solomon says, \u201cDo not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked; for there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.\u201d
Sometimes, a Christian might contemplate how nice it would be to swap places with another person. Although that person may be living a life of ease, perhaps wealthy or famous, switching places with an evil person would not be wise as their days of pleasure are short. It might be said that this world is as close to heaven as they will ever be. With the righteous, however, their days may be full of toil and strife, but they have a glorious future beyond this life, and their earthly existence is as close to Hell as they will ever be.
After showing the importance of not having anxiety, anger, and envy because of the prosperity of evil people, David points out what might be called \u201cFive Steps to Peace\u201d<\/strong> in verses 3-8. These are \u201cmedicines\u201d<\/strong> against fretting and anxiety. They are the path to peace.
1. Trust in the Lord and Do Good<\/strong> \u2014 Verse 3 says, \u201cTrust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.\u201d<\/strong> Thus, instead of fretting over the prosperity of evil people, the first step for God\u2019s people is to trust in the Lord and to keep busy doing good. The Hebrew word translated \u201ctrust\u201d can be defined as \u201cA verb indicating to trust, to be confident. It expresses the feeling of safety and security felt when one relies on someone or something else. It is used to show trust in God…in other people…or in things…In addition, this expression can also relate to the state of being confident, secure, without fear\u201d (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament<\/em>). The same idea is in Proverbs 3:5-6: \u201cTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in<\/strong> all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.\u201d (Note also Ps. 9:10; 4:5.)
In the text (3b), he also says to \u201cdo good.\u201d Doing good is often associated with trusting in God. Recall another occasion when Nehemiah and the people were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, and Tobiah, an antagonist, started ridiculing them (Neh. 4:3-6). How did they respond? They prayed<\/em>, and they kept working<\/em>. We should always do this today, especially when facing life\u2019s challenges. We must trust God and stay busy!
In the later part of verse 3, a blessing is attached. If we trust in God and \u201cdo good,\u201d we can \u201cdwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.\u201d For the children of Israel, the land would refer to the Promised Land, the land of Canaan (Is. 1:19). If they would trust God and \u201cdo good,\u201d God would \u201cfeed them\u201d with physical blessings such as food and clothing. How do we \u201cfeed\u201d on God\u2019s faithfulness? We feed upon God\u2019s faithfulness by having full assurance that He is willing and able to keep His promises.
2. Delight in the Lord<\/strong> \u2014 Verse 4 says, \u201cDelight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.\u201d<\/strong> Found here is the next step for peace, which is to delight in the Lord. The word found in the original (anag) carries with it the idea of something delicate or soft that someone would take pleasure in (The Complete Word Study Dictionary<\/em>). Here it involves the concept of having joy and delight in God. The verse says, \u201cDelight yourself,\u201d so there is a choice<\/u> involved and the idea of effort and commitment.
What does it mean today to take delight in something or someone? It involves being excited (thrilled, energized) when people do what they want to do or with someone they love. What do you take great delight in today? Many take great pleasure in sports. They cannot wait for the season to start, and they eagerly anticipate the start of the big game. When the game is over, they talk about it with others. Indeed, they delight in sports. Others may delight in television, wealth, shopping, eating, or their computer. It is good to have various hobbies and endeavors we enjoy. Primarily, however, as the text says, we should delight in the Lord! For us, God produces delight, pleasure, and happiness. Therefore, if we delight in the Lord, the result should be a joyful interest in things of a spiritual nature.
Returning to verse 4b, we see a blessing attached to delighting in the Lord. It says if we trust in the Lord, He will give us the \u201cdesires of our heart.\u201d Some interpret this to mean if we trust in the Lord, He will provide us with anything we want<\/em>, such as luxuries, wealth, and power. However, this is not talking about superficial earthly desires to have more. 1 Timothy 6:6<\/strong> says, \u201cNow godliness with contentment is great gain.\u201d 1 John 2:15-17<\/strong> points out we are not to love the world or the things in the world. The passage in our text is consistent with the New Testament teaching on prayer. In the New Testament, there are assurances regarding prayer (Mt. 7:7-11), but we also learn there are conditions of acceptable prayer (I Pet. 3:12, James 5:16-18). It is not saying if we delight in the Lord, He will give us any luxury we request of God. Instead, as in the New Testament, God knows our needs; we pray to Him, and His response will be in keeping with what is best for us.
We tend to get discouraged. We see moral decay with little interest in spirituality. Perhaps the stock market is down, the economy is terrible, and we see war and violence worldwide. This bleakness can result in despair, but we should always delight in the Lord regardless of what is happening around us. Corrie Ten Boom put it like this:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nLook around, you\u2019ll be distressed. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nLook within, you\u2019ll be depressed,<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nLook to the Lord, you’ll be at rest.<\/strong><\/em>
<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
<\/strong>Thus, do not get angry and envious because of evil people\u2019s prosperity; instead, rejoice in the Lord.
3. Commit Our Way to the Lord and Trust Him<\/strong> \u2014 Verses 5-6 says, \u201cCommit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. <\/strong>(6) He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.\u201d<\/strong>
The third step to peace is to commit our way to the Lord and trust God. As noted, we really cannot delight in the Lord if we are unwilling to obey Him. Another way to say this is in verse 5. We must \u201ccommit our way\u201d (our course of life) to Him, and we must \u201ctrust\u201d Him.
<\/strong>Consider the meaning of the Hebrew word translated as \u201ccommit.\u201d The root meaning involves the idea of \u201croll\u201d<\/strong> and refers to the \u201crolling of a stone.\u201d Consider the following definition: \u201cIt can also describe abstract concepts, such as reproach being rolled off (removed) from someone (Ps 119:22) or one\u2019s ways and works rolled onto (committed, entrusted) to someone (especially God)…\u201d (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament<\/em>). Thus, it might be said we are to roll off the burdens of life onto the Lord. Consider I Peter 5:6-7<\/strong>: \u201cTherefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him<\/em>, for He cares for you.\u201d We must commit our lives to the Lord and trust Him to care for us. As we handle the burdens of life, we give God the credit. Verse 6 shows a blessing that will follow. It points out that God will vindicate those who commit their way to Him and make them shine like a bright sun.
4. Rest in the Lord and Wait \u2014 V<\/strong>erse 7 says, \u201cRest<\/em> in the Lord, and wait patiently<\/em> for Him; do not fret<\/em> because of him who prospers<\/em> in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass<\/em>.\u201d
<\/strong>The fourth step to obtaining peace is to rest in the Lord and patiently wait. The word translated \u201crest\u201d means \u201cto be silent, to be still, to stand still\u201d (The Complete Word Study Dictionary<\/em>). The prosperity of the wicked might produce a dilemma for followers of God. The evildoer may prosper while engaging in wicked schemes. God\u2019s people are not to fret, get angry, or envy. Instead, they are to remain silent and patiently wait for God. (See also Ps. 46:10, Ex. 14:13-14, Rom. 8:38-39.)
5. Cease to be Angry<\/strong> \u2014 Verse 8 says, \u201cCease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret \u2014 it only causes harm.\u201d<\/strong> This step is the last one for peace. In the context, this is saying to stop being angry about the prosperity and seemingly good life of evildoers. Unresolved anger can fester and lead to bitterness and hurtful actions. Therefore, do not be fretful regarding evildoers or be angry with God. Ultimately, for the righteous, everything will work out. Someone put it like this: \u201cWe may not be able to control what happens in our lives, but we can control how we respond to what happens.\u201d
Putting away the anger and anxiety that may come when we face difficulties is essential. We can do this by following these \u201cmedicines\u201d for peace.
— Via Seeking Things Above<\/em>, Volume 4, Number 5, August 2023
——————–<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1) Hear<\/strong>\u00a0the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).
\u00a0
2) Believe\u00a0<\/strong>in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent<\/strong>\u00a0of sins.\u00a0 For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).\u00a0 For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).
4) Confess faith<\/strong>\u00a0in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).
5) Be baptized\u00a0<\/strong>in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).\u00a0 This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27).\u00a0 For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so \u201cthrough faith in the working of God\u201d (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to\u2026
6) Continue in the faith <\/strong>by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
——————–<\/p>\n\n\n\nTebeau Street
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https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/go\/all.htm<\/a> (This is a link to the older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).——————– Contents: 1) Five Steps to Peace (Psalm 37:3-8) (Mike Johnson) ——————– -1- Five Steps to Peace(Psalm 37:3-8) Mike\u00a0 Johnson \u201cDo not […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","post-preview"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3375","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3375"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3375\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3377,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3375\/revisions\/3377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\u201cDo not fret<\/u> because of evildoers, nor be envious<\/u> of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb\u201d <\/strong>(Ps. 37:1-2).
<\/strong>When we think of the word \u201cfret,\u201d we may think of someone excessively worrying or frequently anxious.<\/em> However, the Hebrew word used here (charah) means \u201cto be hot, to be furious, to burn, to become angry, to be kindled\u201d (The Online Bible Thayer\u2019s Greek Lexicon & Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon). Most translators translate the Hebrew word in the text as \u201cfret.\u201d Elsewhere, however, it is rendered with such words as \u201cwrath,\u201d \u201canger,\u201d \u201chot,\u201d or \u201ckindled.\u201d In addition, various modern translations may translate it by words \u201cannoyed\u201d or \u201cupset.\u201d Thus, the idea is not to be angry<\/em> or \u201cworked up\u201d<\/em> regarding evildoers or envy<\/em> them (1b). Why would someone be tempted to react this way? It is because of the prosperity and, seemingly, good life. Jeremiah asked, in Jeremiah 12:1<\/strong>, \u201cWhy does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?\u201d
There are times when God\u2019s people face many difficulties in life. Like others, Christians can face money problems, mistreatment, illnesses, the death of loved ones, and relationship issues. Yet people who make no pretense of serving God seem not to be experiencing such matters, as everything appears to be going well for them. Looking at the prosperity of evil people, God\u2019s followers might tend to get discouraged. This discouragement especially appears when EVERYTHING seems to be going wrong, and they hit \u201crock bottom.\u201d However, it is ridiculous to be envious of evildoers.
<\/strong>Verse 2 points out that these evildoers will soon be \u201ccut down like the green grass,\u201d <\/strong>and they will \u201cwither\u201d<\/strong> as the \u201cgreen herb.\u201d<\/strong> Their prosperity only lasts for this short life. Righteous people, however, have much more going for them. In Proverbs 24:19-20<\/strong>, Solomon says, \u201cDo not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked; for there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.\u201d
Sometimes, a Christian might contemplate how nice it would be to swap places with another person. Although that person may be living a life of ease, perhaps wealthy or famous, switching places with an evil person would not be wise as their days of pleasure are short. It might be said that this world is as close to heaven as they will ever be. With the righteous, however, their days may be full of toil and strife, but they have a glorious future beyond this life, and their earthly existence is as close to Hell as they will ever be.
After showing the importance of not having anxiety, anger, and envy because of the prosperity of evil people, David points out what might be called \u201cFive Steps to Peace\u201d<\/strong> in verses 3-8. These are \u201cmedicines\u201d<\/strong> against fretting and anxiety. They are the path to peace.
1. Trust in the Lord and Do Good<\/strong> \u2014 Verse 3 says, \u201cTrust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.\u201d<\/strong> Thus, instead of fretting over the prosperity of evil people, the first step for God\u2019s people is to trust in the Lord and to keep busy doing good. The Hebrew word translated \u201ctrust\u201d can be defined as \u201cA verb indicating to trust, to be confident. It expresses the feeling of safety and security felt when one relies on someone or something else. It is used to show trust in God…in other people…or in things…In addition, this expression can also relate to the state of being confident, secure, without fear\u201d (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament<\/em>). The same idea is in Proverbs 3:5-6: \u201cTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in<\/strong> all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.\u201d (Note also Ps. 9:10; 4:5.)
In the text (3b), he also says to \u201cdo good.\u201d Doing good is often associated with trusting in God. Recall another occasion when Nehemiah and the people were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, and Tobiah, an antagonist, started ridiculing them (Neh. 4:3-6). How did they respond? They prayed<\/em>, and they kept working<\/em>. We should always do this today, especially when facing life\u2019s challenges. We must trust God and stay busy!
In the later part of verse 3, a blessing is attached. If we trust in God and \u201cdo good,\u201d we can \u201cdwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.\u201d For the children of Israel, the land would refer to the Promised Land, the land of Canaan (Is. 1:19). If they would trust God and \u201cdo good,\u201d God would \u201cfeed them\u201d with physical blessings such as food and clothing. How do we \u201cfeed\u201d on God\u2019s faithfulness? We feed upon God\u2019s faithfulness by having full assurance that He is willing and able to keep His promises.
2. Delight in the Lord<\/strong> \u2014 Verse 4 says, \u201cDelight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.\u201d<\/strong> Found here is the next step for peace, which is to delight in the Lord. The word found in the original (anag) carries with it the idea of something delicate or soft that someone would take pleasure in (The Complete Word Study Dictionary<\/em>). Here it involves the concept of having joy and delight in God. The verse says, \u201cDelight yourself,\u201d so there is a choice<\/u> involved and the idea of effort and commitment.
What does it mean today to take delight in something or someone? It involves being excited (thrilled, energized) when people do what they want to do or with someone they love. What do you take great delight in today? Many take great pleasure in sports. They cannot wait for the season to start, and they eagerly anticipate the start of the big game. When the game is over, they talk about it with others. Indeed, they delight in sports. Others may delight in television, wealth, shopping, eating, or their computer. It is good to have various hobbies and endeavors we enjoy. Primarily, however, as the text says, we should delight in the Lord! For us, God produces delight, pleasure, and happiness. Therefore, if we delight in the Lord, the result should be a joyful interest in things of a spiritual nature.
Returning to verse 4b, we see a blessing attached to delighting in the Lord. It says if we trust in the Lord, He will give us the \u201cdesires of our heart.\u201d Some interpret this to mean if we trust in the Lord, He will provide us with anything we want<\/em>, such as luxuries, wealth, and power. However, this is not talking about superficial earthly desires to have more. 1 Timothy 6:6<\/strong> says, \u201cNow godliness with contentment is great gain.\u201d 1 John 2:15-17<\/strong> points out we are not to love the world or the things in the world. The passage in our text is consistent with the New Testament teaching on prayer. In the New Testament, there are assurances regarding prayer (Mt. 7:7-11), but we also learn there are conditions of acceptable prayer (I Pet. 3:12, James 5:16-18). It is not saying if we delight in the Lord, He will give us any luxury we request of God. Instead, as in the New Testament, God knows our needs; we pray to Him, and His response will be in keeping with what is best for us.
We tend to get discouraged. We see moral decay with little interest in spirituality. Perhaps the stock market is down, the economy is terrible, and we see war and violence worldwide. This bleakness can result in despair, but we should always delight in the Lord regardless of what is happening around us. Corrie Ten Boom put it like this:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLook around, you\u2019ll be distressed. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look within, you\u2019ll be depressed,<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look to the Lord, you’ll be at rest.<\/strong><\/em>
<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
<\/strong>Thus, do not get angry and envious because of evil people\u2019s prosperity; instead, rejoice in the Lord.
3. Commit Our Way to the Lord and Trust Him<\/strong> \u2014 Verses 5-6 says, \u201cCommit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. <\/strong>(6) He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.\u201d<\/strong>
The third step to peace is to commit our way to the Lord and trust God. As noted, we really cannot delight in the Lord if we are unwilling to obey Him. Another way to say this is in verse 5. We must \u201ccommit our way\u201d (our course of life) to Him, and we must \u201ctrust\u201d Him.
<\/strong>Consider the meaning of the Hebrew word translated as \u201ccommit.\u201d The root meaning involves the idea of \u201croll\u201d<\/strong> and refers to the \u201crolling of a stone.\u201d Consider the following definition: \u201cIt can also describe abstract concepts, such as reproach being rolled off (removed) from someone (Ps 119:22) or one\u2019s ways and works rolled onto (committed, entrusted) to someone (especially God)…\u201d (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament<\/em>). Thus, it might be said we are to roll off the burdens of life onto the Lord. Consider I Peter 5:6-7<\/strong>: \u201cTherefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him<\/em>, for He cares for you.\u201d We must commit our lives to the Lord and trust Him to care for us. As we handle the burdens of life, we give God the credit. Verse 6 shows a blessing that will follow. It points out that God will vindicate those who commit their way to Him and make them shine like a bright sun.
4. Rest in the Lord and Wait \u2014 V<\/strong>erse 7 says, \u201cRest<\/em> in the Lord, and wait patiently<\/em> for Him; do not fret<\/em> because of him who prospers<\/em> in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass<\/em>.\u201d
<\/strong>The fourth step to obtaining peace is to rest in the Lord and patiently wait. The word translated \u201crest\u201d means \u201cto be silent, to be still, to stand still\u201d (The Complete Word Study Dictionary<\/em>). The prosperity of the wicked might produce a dilemma for followers of God. The evildoer may prosper while engaging in wicked schemes. God\u2019s people are not to fret, get angry, or envy. Instead, they are to remain silent and patiently wait for God. (See also Ps. 46:10, Ex. 14:13-14, Rom. 8:38-39.)
5. Cease to be Angry<\/strong> \u2014 Verse 8 says, \u201cCease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret \u2014 it only causes harm.\u201d<\/strong> This step is the last one for peace. In the context, this is saying to stop being angry about the prosperity and seemingly good life of evildoers. Unresolved anger can fester and lead to bitterness and hurtful actions. Therefore, do not be fretful regarding evildoers or be angry with God. Ultimately, for the righteous, everything will work out. Someone put it like this: \u201cWe may not be able to control what happens in our lives, but we can control how we respond to what happens.\u201d
Putting away the anger and anxiety that may come when we face difficulties is essential. We can do this by following these \u201cmedicines\u201d for peace.
— Via Seeking Things Above<\/em>, Volume 4, Number 5, August 2023
——————–<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1) Hear<\/strong>\u00a0the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).
\u00a0
2) Believe\u00a0<\/strong>in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent<\/strong>\u00a0of sins.\u00a0 For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).\u00a0 For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).
4) Confess faith<\/strong>\u00a0in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).
5) Be baptized\u00a0<\/strong>in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).\u00a0 This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27).\u00a0 For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so \u201cthrough faith in the working of God\u201d (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to\u2026
6) Continue in the faith <\/strong>by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
——————–<\/p>\n\n\n\nTebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA\u00a0 31501
Sunday:<\/strong> 9 a.m<\/strong>. Bible Classes (except for last of the month Song Service)
and 10 a.m. <\/strong>Worship Service
Wednesday:<\/strong> 7 p.m.<\/strong> Bible Classes\u00a0
\u00a0
evangelist\/editor: <\/strong>Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com<\/a>
https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/go\/all.htm<\/a> (This is a link to the older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).——————– Contents: 1) Five Steps to Peace (Psalm 37:3-8) (Mike Johnson) ——————– -1- Five Steps to Peace(Psalm 37:3-8) Mike\u00a0 Johnson \u201cDo not […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","post-preview"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3375","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3375"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3375\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3377,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3375\/revisions\/3377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}