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Paul seems to tie himself up in knots as he writes about wrestling with his own sin. Perhaps you can relate to his frustration when he says, ‘I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing’ (Romans 7.19). The struggle is real.
On top of that, we live in a groaning and broken world. Sin has seeped into the very pores of creation and pours out in ugly ways causing hurt, pain, disease and death – suffering and cruelty of every kind. Despite this, the author of Psalm 37 faces up to the wickedness in the world and repeatedly says, ‘Do not fret …’
That word ‘fret’ can mean to feel anxiety and worry over something, but it can also refer to the action of gradually wearing something down by rubbing or gnawing at it – like waves fretting the seafront. Perhaps your awareness of the brokenness in the world feels like it’s gradually wearing down your hope and resilience?
Where does the Psalmist’s confidence come from? No matter how things appear in the moment, he trusts in the Lord to make things right. He reminds us that our salvation comes from the Lord: God is our stronghold in times of trouble and he delivers those who take refuge in him (verses 39–40).
And this promise is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ. As Paul writes, ‘Who will rescue [us] from [these bodies] that [are] subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers [us] through Jesus Christ our Lord’ (Romans 7.24–25)!
What we see around us, and in us, is not the finished product – not yet, it’s not the end! That is still coming and it’s worth waiting for. We can trust in the Lord.
This reflection was written by Chantelle Baker, Operations Support Officer at Bible Society.
If you have two minutes: Listen to the audio reflection and ponder how it might be relevant in your life.
If you have up to ten minutes: Read the Bible passage and listen to the audio reflection; you might want to keep a small journal, or note on your phone, to jot down words and phrases that jump out at you. Finish with a brief prayer to put what you have read and heard into practice.
What if I miss a day(s)?: Don’t worry, life happens! Just pick up the devotional again on the current day, and, if you wish, you can use the space for reflection on Sundays to listen to those reflections you may have missed.
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