Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The Commencement of a New Year

a) Lessons of the Past Year

b) Looking forward to a New Year

2. The Book of Psalms

“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.”   Psalm 19:7-11

a) Lessons observed by the Psalmist about the Law of the Lord

i) It is perfect

ii) It is sure (certain)

iii) It is right

iv) It is pure

v) It is true

vi) It is righteous

b) Impact of the Law of the Lord upon Life

i) It converts the soul

ii) It makes one wise

iii) It rejoices the heart

iv) It enlightens the eyes

v) It gives vital warning

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PSALM 37

1. It is a Psalm written to offer a Contrast between

a) The Upright

b) The Wicked

2. Many insights may be found

a) To guide the Upright

b) To guard against the Wicked

3. A good number of Challenges may be found

a) To trust the Lord

b) To walk in the way of the Upright

A VITAL FIRST LESSON

1. Do not Fret

a) Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.   (Psalm 37:1)

b) 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.   (Psalm 37:7)

c) Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.   (Psalm 37:8)

2. What does it mean “To fret?”

a) To be anxious

b) To be worried

c) To be upset

3. What makes people fret?

Because of the seeming success of the wicked

a) There is an “envy” of the workers of iniquity   (Psalm 37:1)

b) Because they seem to be prosperous (  Psalm 37:7b)

c) Because his wicked schemes come to pass   (Psalm 37:7c)

RELATED TO THE PROBLEM OF FRETTING

1. There is an undesirable sense of “envy”   (Psalm 37:1)

2. There is impatience   (Psalm 37:7a)

3. There is anger   (Psalm 37:8a)

4. There is wrath   (Psalm 37:8b)

POTENTIAL DANGER

1. We can be drawn to consider evil

2. We can become angry

3. We can become wrathful

4. We place ourselves at risk; These can cause harm!

THE SOLUTION TO FRETTING

1. Rest in the LORD   (Psalm 37:7a)

a) Find renewed faith

b) Exercise trust in God

2. Wait patiently for Him   (Psalm 37:7b)

a) Wait upon God

b) Our times are in His hand

3. Cease from anger

a) Anger will harm us

b) Let anger go!

CONCLUSION

1. The Way of the Upright

a) Do not fret

b) Do not let anger get the better of us

2. Choosing the Way of the Upright

a) Knowing the Way of the Upright better

b) Trusting the Lord

3. Remembering the Example of Abraham and Lot
(Genesis 14-19)

a) Abraham chose the way of the Upright

b) He did not choose anger

c) He trusted the Lord

d) In the end, Abraham lost nothing

e) He obtained the approval and blessing of the Lord