This is surely not me?

Albert Bogle October 07, 2022 0 2

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Psalm 37: 1-9 (NRSVA)

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

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

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

7 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.

8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
    Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For the wicked shall be cut off,
    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

Bullies don’t just go to school, they grow up and go to work, and become neighbours and fathers and mothers, workmates and uncles and aunts. In fact many of us reading this reflection might be considered by someone else as a bit of a bully.

Have you ever thought that someone might be afraid of you? Have you ever thought that your success has come about because you’ve forced your way to be successful? Have you ever thought that you could be bullying your husband or wife or your sister or brother? Not an easy thought to hold in your head, especially when the psalmist reminds us God is the one who will pull the carpet from under the bully’s feet.

And what if you are the one who is being bullied. What if you are the one whose stomach turns over when you see the figure of the bully appear. How do you deal with the stress? The psalmist reminds us to stop fretting. Nothing lasts forever. Focus on doing the right thing. Be still take yourself into the presence of God. Turn away from anger. Keep turned for a long time. Look again and they will no longer be there. Nothing lasts forever. This psalm is a long psalm to remind us God cares about these things.

PRAYER:

Lord,

Give me eyes to view my actions

Ears to hear myself talk

Insight into the motives of my heart

Create in me a clean heart O God

And renew a right spirit within me.

Lord,

Give me the backbone

To stand to hear myself talk

To do the right thing

To still myself in the presence of the bully

To bring the bully into your presence

Create within us pure hearts

And renew a right spirit within us.

May we find no peace

Until are lives are at peace with you

Bring peace into our lives