Psalm 37:1-2 (NKJV)
Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.
Bothered… that is my current temptation and current condition. I’m bothered:
- With what is going on in the world
- With the way people jump to conclusions and judgement
- With the violence and lack of love in our society
- By people’s attitudes
- By the ridiculous arguments of the times
- In general, with everything
Yep, I said it… I’m tempted every second of every day to bothered by just so much. The temptation is to blow a gasket, get angry, freak out, be annoyed, totally go off and be frustrated with pretty much everybody.
BUT God says, He’s got it. This means I can live UNBOTHERED. In fact, we are told NOT to FRET… and in this case fret means to burn or be kindled with anger, to become/or be hot. Is that not a great description of me? Anyone else? Bueller… Bueller… Bueller?
So today… I’m sitting here thinking, “Ok great God, how do I keep from becoming or being hot? I mean to quote David; can you smite them? Can I? What would you have me do, after all you know I am just dust. You made me, so you know what annoys me, what pushes my buttons, and what makes me flip my lid! I’m not you (which is likely a good thing), and clearly, I am one of your messy kids so can ya help me and give me some direction? (And tons of grace)!”
And this is why it is so important to READ YOUR BIBLE… because in the same chapter in which God says not to fret He tells how…
Psalm 37:3, 7-8 (NJKV)
Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him, Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret-it only causes harm.
Here is CJ’s translation…
CJ trust in me and no matter what you see, hear, or feel DO GOOD. Choose it! And by the way, live in the land… go on about your business, don’t hide and don’t retreat… live! If your bothered, feed (nourish yourself) by thinking about and dwelling on ME! Relax with ME, think about ME and wait in MY presence. And please would you relax! Quit focusing on the other guy and what he is doing. Be unbothered! Quit being mad, and don’t go all Texan on people (our inside joke) let it go. Being angry won’t do you any good.
Ok God… I get it. When there is smoke coming out of my ears… when I’m boiling… stop and redirect all my attention on you. Sit with you. Talk to you and wait for my heart to be softened by your presence. In you I will find the strength to forgive and the comfort I need to remain unbothered.
Keep on keepin on!
Hugs!
CJ
#OccupyTillHeReturns
CJ Rapp 