We Can Do This

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. . . . Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.

Psalm 37:3-5, 7-8

I’m a list maker. A list helps me remember things and feel productive throughout the day. There’s something about checking things off a list that floats my pink boat! When I make a list, I love putting a little box like this in front of the task or item so that I can check it off and cross a big line through it!

The beginning of Psalm 37 lists wonderful practical wisdom that I like to check off in my head as a reminder and help in submitting to God’s ways instead of going with my natural tendencies. I don’t rush through it; instead, I pray and ask God to help me stick to what He says. I’m so thankful that in His power, His list is possible to accomplish. For example,

• I can trust in the Lord and commit everything I do to Him
• I can be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act
• I can refuse to worry about the wicked or their schemes
• I can stop being angry and losing my temper

The instructions work together. For instance, when we wait patiently for the Lord to act and trust in Him, we have an easier time avoiding worry about evil people who prosper in their wicked schemes. When we still ourselves in the Lord, we take delight in Him and naturally want to commit our ways to Him, to do good, and to hold our temper.

In the Spirit’s power, we can cross off all of these instructions daily. Then we can enjoy the blessings God offers each of us, including peace and joy.

Pray through the Psalm 37 list today and ask the Lord for His strength to help you live His way.