Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret – it leads only to evil.

Psalm 37:1-8

When we face situations we fear, we often panic. Sometimes that means we demand things in prayer. We tell God what we must have, without realizing He will always give us what we need, but that may not always be what we want. When we surrender and let God handle things His way, the solution becomes clear and the issue works itself out, always. Committed believers are those who sincerely follow and serve the LORD, and it is appropriate to urge people to have greater commitment. Committing ourselves to God and trusting Him imply surrendering every area of our lives to His wise control, especially when fear and panic overtake us. The promised result of such whole-hearted commitment and trust is that God will do what is best for us. Instead of trying to quell your fears with panic prayers, surrender yourself to God through a prayer of relinquishment, and see what He will do. Prayer is the bridge between panic and peace.

Let Go! Let God!

Our Daily Bread – January 10, 2005