POSITIVE LIVING IN A NEGATIVE WORLD

PSALM 37:1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

A work in progress to be sure.

I. TRUST IN THE LORD [v. 3] to hasten for refuge

1. Do Good- [v. 3, Acts 10:38]

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good,

2. Dwell- [v. 3, 1 John 4:13]

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

3. Feed- [v. 3, Ps. 23:2, 5]

-He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

-Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 

II. DELIGHT IN THE LORD [v. 4] to be soft or pliable

1. A Matter of the Will [v. 4, Rm. 12:1-2]

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2. A Matter of the Way [v. 4, Is. 30:21]

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

3. A Matter of the Willingness [v. 4, John 15:7]

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

 

III. COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD [v. 5-6] to roll (away, down, together), run down, trust, wallow

1. Trust Him [v. 5a]

2. Leave it to Him [v. 5b]

3. Watch Him Do It [v. 6, Lk. 9:23-26]

 

IV. REST IN THE LORD [v. 7ff.] cease, forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be (stand) still, tarry, wait.

1. Let Go and Let God be God [v. 7a] “Rest in the LORD”

2. Let God take His Time and Work [v. 7b] “wait patiently for him”

3. Let God take His Time with Others [v. 7c] “fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way…”