“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7, NIV)

Many of us have felt the anxiety and frustration that can come when it seems that those who ignore God’s ways prosper while we, trying to follow God’s path, face struggles. This can lead to questions, doubts, and even a sense of despair. But Psalm 37:7 provides a counterintuitive response: Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

Being still before the Lord in this context involves quieting our hearts and minds, slowing down our rush to judge or react, and creating space to listen and perceive God’s presence and will. It’s about submitting our fears, worries, and the situations that cause us anxiety to God in prayer. This is not a passive waiting but an active, intentional stillness that seeks to align ourselves with God and His timing.

Being still before the Lord is a form of prayer, a conversation with God where we are not always speaking but often listening. When we bring our anxieties to God in prayer, we give Him space to move in our lives. We acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers and that we rely on His wisdom and guidance.

The psalmist tells us not to fret when we see people succeeding in their wicked schemes. In essence, he’s reminding us to trust in God’s justice, sovereignty, and timing. God sees the full picture, and He promises to make things right in His time.

This verse encourages us to replace our fear and worry with faith and patience. As we lay our concerns before God in prayer, we find rest and assurance in His character. We don’t ignore our circumstances, but we view them in the light of God’s promises.

Wonder in the Word

What situations are causing you to worry or feel anxious today? How might being still before the Lord in prayer shift your perspective on these situations?