Fix Your Eyes On The Prize
Welcome! If you’re searching for wisdom, encouragement, or spiritual direction in times of struggle, this sermon from Pastor Abel Rivera at The Grove offers timely insight drawn from Psalm 37. Whether you are battling anger, wrestling with envy, or yearning for justice, the message provides practical steps to help you “fix your eyes on the prize”—Jesus Christ.
A Place Called Home
Pastor Abel opens with warm reflections about returning to The Grove after a year away in residency. He shares how meaningful this community has been for him and his family, reminding us all of the importance of spiritual home and connection.
Why Do We Struggle With Anger?
Many Christians battle anger—not just at personal disappointments, but at the unfairness witnessed when it seems the unrighteous prosper while the faithful suffer. Pastor Abel notes, “many of us are struggling… with anger towards what we’re experiencing in life,” especially when the world seems unjust. He identifies this as a classic trap—anger and distraction are tools the enemy uses to pull our focus away from Christ.
Words of Wisdom Across Generations
The sermon highlights familiar advice (“life is short, forgive, work hard, be a friend, listen to your elders”) and encourages sharing wisdom across generations. “Some of us are getting to an age where we realize it’s probably a good idea to share our wisdom with a younger generation…some of the younger generation want to hear good and sound wisdom from an earlier generation.” This sets the stage for learning from King David, who wrote Psalm 37 in his old age after a lifetime of facing giants, sin, forgiveness, and victory.
Psalm 37: The Struggle of the Faithful
David wrote Psalm 37 after seeing both prosperity and suffering. Pastor Abel explains that David addresses how to respond to evil and unfairness—not with envy or agitation, but with trust.
“Do not be agitated by evildoers. Do not envy those who do wrong, for they wither quickly like grass…”
Pastor Abel asks how we can possibly follow this advice. The answer comes in three points:
1. A Call to Trust, Delight, and Commit
- Trust:
Trust in God’s character and strength, even when the world feels unjust. Pastor Abel reminds us that God “is not losing any sleep”—and we shouldn’t either.
- Delight:
Delight in the Lord redirects our hearts from worry and envy to gratitude and joy. Pastor Abel references Acts 16, where Paul and Silas, wrongly imprisoned, found joy in worshiping God, showing that delight in the Lord brings peace even in hardship.
- Commit:
Committing your ways to God ensures He will act for you. David testifies—“I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned.” God’s support and provision are faithful and true.
2. A Posture to Take: Silent Waiting and Patience
David repeats, “do not be agitated”—and teaches us to “be silent before the Lord and wait patiently.” Pastor Abel encourages silent surrender as an act of faith:
“When we are quiet before Him, He often brings to mind Scripture… just what we need to calm our mind and comfort our heart.”
Patience and silence are disciplined acts that anchor us, allowing God’s justice and timing to unfold. Those who wait for the Lord will inherit the land and receive lasting security.
3. A Promise to Remember
Though the wicked flourish temporarily, their future is destruction. Those who hope in the Lord “will inherit the land”—eternal life with Christ.
If you’re wrestling with faith, Pastor Abel gently pleads, “If this is you this morning… find me afterwards,” pointing to the promise of redemption found in Christ alone.
Fixing Our Eyes on the Ultimate Prize
The final encouragement is practical and relational:
Find a seasoned believer whose life is focused on Christ, and learn from them.
If you’re “a little older and wiser,” seek out those struggling to stay focused, and support them with prayer and conversation.
As Pastor Abel concludes: “Let us trust in the Lord, delight in the Lord, and commit our ways to the Lord while we wait patiently for Him.” In doing so, we anchor our hope not in earthly success, but in the everlasting promise of God—our citizenship is in heaven, and our Savior is Christ.
Key SEO Takeaways:
Psalm 37 is a source of wisdom for Christians facing anger and envy.
Trust in God’s promises, delight in His presence, and commit your life to Him.
Patient waiting and silent surrender foster faith and resilience.
The promise for believers is eternal life, peace, and security in Christ.
Seek and share wisdom across generations within your faith community.
If you’d like to know more or need prayer, reach out to your pastors or a trusted Christian friend. You’re not alone in the journey of faith!
Let us fix our eyes on the prize—Jesus Christ—and find encouragement, peace, and hope today!
