FRET NOT

Psalm 37:1–8 NKJV

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Main Idea: Stay faithful to following God’s plan.

Key Question: Do you ever get distracted by others?

1. Stay focused on the eternal reward. (v. 1-2)

Psalm 37:1–2 NKJV

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.

Proverbs 23:17 NKJV

Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day;

Job 20:5–9 NKJV

That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment? Though his haughtiness mounts up to the heavens, And his head reaches to the clouds, Yet he will perish forever like his own refuse; Those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ He will fly away like a dream, and not be found; Yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night. The eye that saw him will see him no more, Nor will his place behold him anymore.

2. Stay focused on God’s faithfulness. (v. 3-4)

Psalm 37:3–4 NKJV

Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 62:8 NKJV

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

John 15:7 NKJV

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

3. Stay focused on your faithfulness. (v. 5-6)

Psalm 37:5–6 NKJV

Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.

Proverbs 16:3 NKJV

Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.

1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

4. Stay focused on God’s plan. (v. 7-8)

Psalm 37:7–8 NKJV

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Lamentations 3:26 NKJV

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.

Psalm 73:3 NKJV

For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.