Commit Into His Hands

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: …” (Ps. 37:5-7a)

The word “commit” has the idea of “to roll over into;” and the word “way” refers to one’s course of life. David acknowledges that the sons of God are encompassed in this world by a host of cruel, wicked, evil doers that seek to destroy them. Thus, he encourages them to relinquish control of their destinies by rolling over the course of their lives (flesh and spirit) into God’s hands.

The Apostle Paul said this is what he did in writing: “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (II Tim. 1:12) It is an utter impossibility for us to keep ourselves. Even with the best of our efforts, we would make an awful mess of things and would find ourselves shipwrecked upon the deadly reefs. It is far better for us to trust in the sovereign power of our heavenly Father to bring us safely into eternity’s harbor. Depend not upon yourself, brethren, for we cannot see what God sees, and we dare not venture into the treacherous dark depths of life without our Captain at the helm. Have confidence that the Father shall surely carry us safely home.

The word “rest” is “to quiet one’s self, to keep silent.” The thought is for the saints to stop complaining and murmuring about their lot in life. (I must admit I am guilty!) As Paul wrote: “study to be quiet,” (I Thess. 4:11) We must learn to stop complaining! Stop it in front of the unsaved, for it brings reproach upon the Good Shepherd’s care of His sheep. Stop it in front of the saints, for it discourages the lambs. Stop it, because it demoralizes our thoughts and spirits, thus, weakening our faith. Rest in the Lord gives peace in the heart in the midst of chaos. Be still my soul in the Lord!

Paul wrote: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,” (II Tim. 4:7-8a) Paul committed his course of life into the hands of God, and admitted “by the grace of God I am what I am:” (I Cor. 15:10) Arrogant stubbornness impedes a restful course of life; quiet submissiveness enhances the course of faith.