Psalm 37:7-9 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, the one who succeeds in evil schemes. Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.
Earlier this year, I spent time at Standing Rock, living together with other people as an embodied witness against the completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The pipeline runs through sacred tribal land and under the drinking water of millions of people. What an audacious thing to see a group of people so committed to a cause! These people moved from their homes to tents and makeshift structures to be a living protest against the actions of a behemoth energy corporation.
What does it mean to “not fret” in such circumstances? I think of David facing down Goliath. God does not promise us that righteousness will win in every instance—there is oil flowing through that pipeline right now. But perhaps the call is simply to act, with stillness and faithfulness, no matter the outcome.
MOVING FORWARD: Think of the things that make you fretful. Offer all or part of that list up to God this week.
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