Can you make a detailed, exegetical, alliterated and expository baptist sermon about Psalms 37:7?

**Sermon Title:** "Patiently Pondering in Peace: A Look at Psalm 37:7" **Text:** Psalm 37:7 (ESV): “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices.” --- **Introduction:** In a world filled with chaos, competition, and constant comparison, the psalmist offers us a profound piece of wisdom in Psalm 37:7. This verse invites us into a posture of stillness before the Lord, urging us to cultivate patience and peace while watching the wicked prosper. Today, we will explore this passage through an exegetical lens, breaking it down into three alliterated points: **Stillness, Stamina, and Serenity**. --- ### I. Stillness: Posture Before the Lord **A. Biblical Definition of Stillness** - **"Be still"** (Hebrew: "Damam") carries the connotation of rest, quietness, and ceasing from action. It suggests a relinquishing of our anxious thoughts and a surrender to God’s sovereignty. **B. Examples of Stillness in Scripture** - **Moses at the Red Sea** (Exodus 14:14): Amidst the cries of panic, Moses reminds the Israelites to be still and watch the salvation of the Lord. This exemplifies trust in God’s deliverance. - **Jesus in the Storm** (Mark 4:39): When the disciples were frantic, Jesus calms the storm, highlighting how true stillness comes from trusting in His power over our circumstances. **C. Practical Application** - Encouragement to find moments in our daily lives to practice stillness—through prayer, meditation on Scripture, or simply sitting in silence before God. This intentional practice redirects our focus from our distress to His divine assurance. --- ### II. Stamina: Waiting Patiently **A. The Call to Patience** - The expression **"wait patiently"** implies both endurance and steadfastness. The Hebrew word used (qavah) has the idea of eagerly looking ahead. It’s an active waiting, not a passive resignation. **B. Examples of Stamina in Scripture** - **Abraham's Waiting** (Genesis 12-21): Abraham was promised a son but waited many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise, showcasing faith that perseveres despite delay. - **Job's Faithfulness** (Job 14:14): Job's resilience in suffering teaches us that waiting in our trials can be transformative, refining our character and deepening our reliance on God. **C. Practical Application** - Cultivating a lifestyle of patience through trials—practicing prayer, scripture reading, and community encouragement. Understanding that our waiting is not in vain but part of God’s greater plan for our lives. --- ### III. Serenity: Rejecting Envy **A. The Temptation to Fret** - The admonition **"fret not yourself"** warns us against the natural inclination to compare ourselves with others, especially when we see the wicked flourishing. The Hebrew term (charah) suggests burning emotion, akin to jealousy or anger. **B. Reflections of Serenity in Scripture** - **David’s Experience** (Psalm 73): David openly admits his struggles with envy towards the prosperous. But through God's presence, he finds peace and perspective, realizing the ultimate end of the wicked and the fate of the righteous. - **Christ’s Example** (Matthew 6:25-34): The call not to be anxious about earthly concerns but to seek God’s kingdom first encourages an eternal perspective over temporal troubles. **C. Practical Application** - Emphasizing gratitude and contentment in our own circumstances. Practicing silence and stillness can help us to refocus from the earthly to the eternal, fostering a heart of serenity amidst life's challenges. --- **Conclusion:** As we reflect on Psalm 37:7, we see that our God calls us to a life marked by **Stillness, Stamina, and Serenity**. In practicing stillness before God, we cultivate a heart that seeks Him above all else. By waiting patiently, we build our faith and resilience, trusting that His timing is perfect. Rejecting envy allows us to experience the peace that surpasses understanding, freeing us from the burdens of comparison and worry. Let us embrace these truths today, remembering that in the presence of the Lord, we are called to rest, to wait, and ultimately to rejoice in the goodness of our God. May we be a people marked by stillness before Him, enduring patiently while resting in the serenity of His promises. **Call to Action:** As we close, I invite each of you to take a moment of silence before God. Reflect on what it means to be still, to wait patiently, and to reject fretting over others' circumstances. Bring your anxieties before Him and trust in His sovereignty. Amen.