1. Do not fret (worry) or be envious of the workers of iniquity aka “the bad guys” Don’t worry over them and their doings. Don’t envy them. Their prosperity and success is short-lived and shallow. This message is so important that it is repeated in this psalm at least 4 more times in verses 7b-10, 12-15, 17 and 20. Psalm 73 walks us through the near calamity that befalls the man of God when he becomes envious of the wicked. Taking my eyes off of the sovereign God can cause me to lose perspective on my true position and provision in Christ. (See Ephesians 1, 2; 2 Peter 1:3-4)
3. Delight yourself also in the LORD. As I get to know Him, I enjoy the love He lavishes on me and the time I spend with Him. He is good! He is so much more than dead letters on a page. In order to delight in Him, I must think on Him, study Him, listen to Him, sit with Him, seek His face and be open to His guidance and correction.
5. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him. Ugh! This is the hardest phase of the progression for me. I find it hard to wait. I am like a filly at the gate waiting for the race to begin, anxious for the gate to open and to leap out . . . . but God knows when it is best for me to stay and when it is best to go. He hedges me in to keep me safe. I always want to move. When my circumstances are difficult, I want them changed to be easier, happier, different. But God, in His wisdom, knows there is benefit for me in the waiting. In the waiting, I must focus on God and listen for His voice. In the waiting, I must look at me, and consider my heart and my conduct. In the waiting, I am left with plenty of time to move through the Psalm 37 progression again and again. I must give up worrying (again). I must trust in the LORD and do good (again). I must delight myself also in the LORD (again). I must commit my way to the LORD (again). I can find much to do while I wait. The LORD will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is stayed on Him because I trust in Him. (Isa. 26:3 paraphrased)
This really hits home for me right now, going through it again, couldn’t have read this at a better time. Thank you Lord for Mary and for the promise of Your word. Bless you Mary!