"Learning To Rest" -2

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." (Psalms 37:7) Sometimes, before we can be of any good for the Lord's doing, we must first learn how to drown; as odd as you might think that might sound, it is more true than you might otherwise think. The basic response of someone who is drowning is that of panic; throwing their arms in all directions, grasping for something to hold onto; basically wasting their energy on worthless motions that only harm their chances of keeping their head above water; let alone, having an experienced lifeguard try and get close to them. What God requires of us is trust, which more times than not, requires that we wait on Him, but waiting seems to be the hardest part of trust; especially for those of us that live in this present day of fast cars, and even faster web browsing; if we can't drive somewhere for help, we will look for it online. The problem in thinking that we can help God help us, is that we might settle for some thing that God did not intend for us; or worse, we might be led into something that will draw us away from God, instead of drawing us closer. The word "fret" that is used in the verse above, does not mean to worry, which might be what many will think that it means; it means to be angry, or kindled, as in to burn inside with anger towards anyone. This kind of anger is something that can rage out of control, not that we might do anything against anyone, but rather, that we might be like that person who is about to drown, and our anger does not allow God to save us; rather, He will wait until our anger has subdued, and we have humbled our self, and then He will lift us up. (1 Peter 5:6) When it comes to the things of this world, God's desire for our fellowship trumps His desire for our provisions; although God will supply all of our needs, our need for Him is more important that anything that this world has to offer, including food and clothing. Which makes me wonder about what the people of Israel might have been thinking, as they waited for "The Day of the LORD"; for over four hundred years, after hearing the last words of the prophets, they heard nothing from God. Having had to watch their prosperity being subdued by other empires, and having no word from God regarding His promise, only those words from decades past. Did they wonder if God was angry? or did they wonder if they were still His chosen people? Did they fret over them which prospered from their lands, as they came under the heavy hand of Roman rule? or did they rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for their Messiah to come and rescue them?
"Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be Mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not." (Malachi 3:14-18)