Anxiety and its remedy

Psalm 37.1-20

This 'Psalm of David' is a Psalm of contrast like Psalm 1. All the world is divided into two kinds of persons.

I. 'Fret not': The exhortation not to be fretting (verses 1-2)

A. The condition of fretting. The human race is prone to fretting.

B. This cause of fretting. It is easy to become 'envious' Psalm 73.1-5

C. The caution regarding fretting (verse 2) (James 1.9-11; Matthew 13.41-42).

II. 'Trust in': The encouragement to be trusting in the Lord (verses 3-7)

A. Trust in him (verse 3).

B. Delight in him (verse 4).

C. Commit thy way to him (verses 5-6) (Proverbs 4.18).

D. Rest in him (verse 7)(Matthew 15.22-28).

III. Contrast: evildoers shall be cut off (verses 8-20)

A. Certain ruin: evildoers shall be cut off (verses 8-9).

B. Swift ruin: soon the wicked shall not be (v 10-11)(Mat 5.5).

C. Just ruin: the sword of the wicked shall enter into their own heart (verses 12-15).

D. Complete ruin: into smoke shall they consume away (v.16-20).

Conclusion: Demonstrations of the blessedness of the righteous: