• Rest In The Lord

  Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 29, 2025 (message contributor)

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  Scripture:  Psalms 37:1-11

  Tags:  Pain, Evil, Suffering, Trusting God, God's Peace, Rejoice In The Lord, God's Righteousness, God's Rest, Hardships, Cares, God's Shelter, Horrible Times, Receive God's Righteousness, Cast Your Cares On The Lord  (view more)  (view less)

  Denomination: Baptist

Rest in the LORD

This is David's message to us in Psalm 37:7-11, where he said:

7. 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.

8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret -- it only causes harm.

9. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.

10. For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more.

11. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

*Sounds like God wins to me! The LORD is always on the job, and He IS going to straighten out this world's mess. God's judgment is sure. His judgment is always right, and at just the right time, the whole world will see it. So those who rest in the Lord can have God's peace, even in horrible times.

*Pastor Rodney Buchanan explained it this way: "The reason I am an optimist is because I serve a God who is in control. I often think about the early church and the culture in which it not only survived, but thrived.

*Most early Christians lived within the bounds of the Roman Empire where there were persecutions. It was literally a national sport to throw the Christians to the lions as cheering crowds watched them be torn apart. The Roman roads were often lined with crosses on which Christians hung because they would not denounce Christ. Not only was abortion acceptable, a father could kill his child at any age. The government was completely hostile toward Christianity and anyone who was a follower of Christ.

*And yet it was during this time of enormous opposition that the church grew from just 120 believers to untold thousands. God is unstoppable. It doesn't matter how much opposition there is. God is in control, and He will have his way! God is in control no matter how things look. That does not necessarily mean that our nation will always be prosperous or safe. But it does mean that there is a God who is control of history, and he will have the final word. This is our hope and confidence." (1)

(1) Adapted from SermonCentral sermon "Why I Am an Optimist" by Rodney Buchanan - Psalm 46:1-7 - Nov 23, 2003