Thursday, June 5, 2014

Psalm 37 “The Ten Commandments for Peace”



“Truth for Truckers” *March 7, 2014*  Psalm 37 “The Ten Commandments for Peace”

    This magnificent Psalm of Davi0d is a full (40 verses long and contains multiple themes and a treasure loaded storehouse of blessings for the believer. While there are (20) distinct commands to the child of God, and at least (36) promises to the righteous, there are also (16) curses pronounced upon the wicked.
But, in order to focus on what appears to be the most important message of this oft-quoted Psalm, we must first of all look at David’s priority and analyze the first eleven verses. The title of this passage could also be Victory in Christ as David hones in the positive and negative aspects of the normal Christian life.

     His direct admonitions and imperative commands in (v.1-11) can be analyzed accurately as The Ten Commandments for the Peace of God which is the goal of every child of God. Maintaining peace within our hearts as we abide in Christ is the key to continual communion and control by the Holy Spirit.  

     In order to receive the maximum blessing from this Psalm you must study out the commands, promises and curses mentioned above. Herein lies the wisdom of God which you can give to those for whom you are responsible, whether it be your family or your flock be diligent to study to show yourself approved unto God and also receive the maximum blessing to your own soul! The peace that can only come from the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ, will be evident in the life of the child of God that obeys these commands from the Lord found in this most enlightening and popular Psalm of David.
     The first commandment comes with the opening verse: "Fret not thyself because of evildoers..." The Lord is giving us direct instruction, and an imperative order, to stop being uneasy, stop letting yourself be vexed, wore out, agitated, irritated and provoked because of those who are committing evil, wicked acts in our presence.  
     The second immediately follows in v.1: "Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity." "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?"(Proverb 27:4) "Love envies not" (I Corinthians 13:4). The child of God must not commit the sin of envy! The Lord then reveals the wretched plight of the wicked in v.2 likening them to the grass that is cut down, and the herb that withers. The picture painted of the evildoers is one of worthless, short lives, cut down, terminated, brought to a violent end, succumbing to the heat of an endless torment in hell!                         
     The third commandment of peace is found in verse 3: "Trust in the Lord..." totally rely on Him for the results, the outcome of our obedience to Him, yes "Lean not to our own understanding" which is what gets us into fretting and envying the wicked, but "In all our ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct our paths."(Proverb 3:5, 6)
     Number four: "Do good..." Practice the positive actions of doing right, accomplishing good things for the glory of God! This simple two word command is the antidote for wrong attitudes and actions! Doing good, getting involved in ministry to those in need, whether physically or spiritually is the cure.
     The fifth is the favorite verse of many who faithfully serve the Lord: "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Making the Lord Himself the focus of your affection, the central figure of your life, the one with whom you would rather spend time with, more than any other person on earth, yes, rejoicing in Him and who He is, and what He has done and what He will do, feasting the eyes of your soul on Him who is altogether lovely, being consumed with His great love, this is God’s definition of delight!
     "Commit thy way unto the Lord" is the sixth commandment of peace. Putting Him in charge of your present and future decisions, allowing Him to guide and direct thereby taking the responsibility from your shoulders and casting your cares upon Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think!  .
     The seventh commandment is my favorite: "Rest in the Lord" The most popular Psalm now comes to mind as we approach the topic of rest. "He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside  the still waters, He restores my soul..." Psalm 23  
     Number eight is the often repeated commandment "Wait patiently for Him." Although this seems to be the most difficult thing to do, many times it is the only thing to do! If we have no certain direction from the Lord it is necessary that we wait on Him until He reveals to us His will in the matter we are seeking. Psalm 27:14 emphasized this most necessary principle: "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord." The Lord strengthens us during the time of waiting, giving us what we need to endure while we wait on His perfect will.
     The ninth commandment of peace calls for us to "Cease from anger." Anger is the natural man’s way of expressing contempt for the one who brings about "Wicked devices".  So, it must be stopped!
     The tenth and final commandment of peace in v.8: "Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.". Stop allowing your attitude to be wore down to the point that you yourself sin against God by performing ungodly actions of sin.  "Those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth" v.9. Prosperity and blessing in this life will follow the one who obeys the "Ten Commandments of Peace”.

Chaplain L.E.Wolfe www.btmi.org I-85 Exit 35 SC  McPilot  Stop in, and please pray for our ministry!

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