Strategize or Obey?

 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.

Psalm 4:4-5 (ESV)
 
"God made him inwardly happy, even in his poverty. He had lost for a time his palace and his kingdom, and was dependent upon the supplies of friends. Yet he was happy, and who made him happy? ". . .Thou hast put gladness in my heart." God alone can make us happy anywhere and anywhen. ". . .Although the fig tree shall not blossom," etc. (Hab. 3:17). What does Paul say? ". . .I glory in tribulation." Martyrs have sung in dungeons, and triumphed in flames." (Biblical Illustrator)
 
Angry people destroy themselves while trying to destroy others. Those who trust the Lord will gain strength, power, and purpose. The strength and endurance will increase as long as the "gaze" stays secure.
 
Circumstances cannot and should not control me, for that is a privilege reserved for God alone. In this fact, there is tremendous rest.
 
God did not make us to strategize; He made us to obey, and as we do so, we will win.