Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
Our culture promotes instant results. We have instant food, we like instant money, instant pleasure or gratification, instant in all things. But when we do not get what we want, most of the time we get impatient and angry, and worse we do sinful things (thoughts, words, and actions) because of our uncontrolled emotions.
God wants us to live in peace and in righteousness. This verse helps us to live a pleasing and peaceful life.
Refrain – could also mean Stop doing something. The Bible says Stop being in anger for it will lead to something not good. Our anger can hurt people, sometimes these people are family ones, friends, co-workers, churchmates, and even ourselves.
Turn from – means “changing direction”. A 180-degree rotation. As humans and as Christians, our flesh fails us. But God is faithful, He will guide us and help us through. Turning from wrath will save us from a terrible sin. Wrath is more than anger; it can lead to disaster in our lives or even kill someone. Turn from it, not just to prevent you from sinning by hurting or killing someone but to save you from the terrible consequences of your actions.
Do not – a warning and a negative command that could lead to a negative result if we disobey. To understand it, “do not fret” which describes a state of mind and feeling of a person. It is being “disturbed or irritated”.
Do not let your irritation control you. Perhaps some people irritate or disturb us, that’s the life we live in an imperfect society, culture, and family, what we have is this sinful world. But if we allow our fallen world to affect our minds and feelings, we will fall like the world and that is conformity to the world.
As we seek God, our Lord reminds us to practice this command to avoid sinful actions in our lives. And the opposite result when we do this is a peaceful, joyful, and rewarding life with God and in God through His Son Christ Jesus, turn from sin and run towards Him.
“May the Lord give us wisdom and show his face as we seek him in Christ Jesus’ name Amen.”