RR Psalm 37:7 Part 5

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 37:7 Be still before Adonai and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret over one prospering in his way, over one carrying out wicked schemes.
 
This verse is an admonition to control what we can control, and “do not fret”  over how others are doing their business (some of which may be wicked).  How talented do you have to be to “be still… and wait patiently?”  Actually, waiting on God is an acquired skill.  The “acquired” skill is really the ability to hear from God and discipline is the patience to wait.  Elijah heard the Lord speak in a soft whisper.

1Kings 19:11  Then He said, “Come out and stand on the mount before Adonai.” Behold, Adonai was passing by—a great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and shattering cliffs before Adonai. But Adonai was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but Adonai was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake a fire, but Adonai was not in the fire. After the fire there was a soft whisper of a voice. 13 As soon as Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle, went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then all of a sudden, a voice addressed him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
 
Keep in mind, when God asks us a question, He already knows the answer.  God uses questions to make us aware of issues.   One of the things God warns us about is the folly of comparing ourselves with others.  There is always someone better off (or just plain better) and there are always those who appear to not be doing so well.  Rudyard Kipling (in his epic poem “If”) calls both triumph and disaster “imposters,” because neither is as real as they appear nor are they permanent.

David already made the point that the significant difference between heathens and the people of God is exactly this, the ability to hear God.  Psalm 28:1 Of David. To You, Adonai, I call—my Rock, do not be deaf to me. If You were silent to me, I would become like those going down to the Pit.  The good news is that there is only one God speaking to us, and the one God has only one message.

Isaiah 45:5 I am Adonai—there is no other. Besides Me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not known Me, 6 so they may know, from the rising to the setting of the sun, that there is no one besides Me. I am Adonai—there is no other.

So may God’s message always be before us.  Psalm 16:8 I have set Adonai always before me. Since He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 So my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. My body also rests secure.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri3 Oct 202511th of Tishrei, 5786
De 32:29-39Zec 112 Ch 31Rev 17(Ac 23)

Rabbi H Michael Weiner

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