Psalm 37:1-9 "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and HE shall give thee the desire of thine heart. 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: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the Earth."
How much time and emotional energy do you spend stressing about matters over which you have no control ? Do you find yourself frustrated or angered when government officials enact regulations that result in the restriction of freedoms or create laws that are destructive to spiritual principles ? Many of those who govern us are ambivalent or even atheistic when it comes to GOD and HIS WORD (Luke 18:2-5 pictured below), but this is not surprising since it is the natural result of living in a fallen, sinful world.
To "fret" (vv.1,7,8) means to be in a continual state of worry or anxiety. Rather than allowing our heart to trouble us, we must resign ourselves to the truth that evildoers exist and often succeed in their wicked devices. In fact, sometimes the extraordinarily wicked are able to do significant harm when they are in powerful positions bridging both governmental and religious roles (e.g. Islam, Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, etc.)
However, verse two prompts us to remember the reality that the influence of the unrighteous is fleeting, temporary. It will not last. The end result for the "evildoers" and "workers of iniquity" is that they will be "cut down" and "wither." Therefore, we must not envy them, even though they may seem to be successful and prosperous according to the world's standards. The unrighteous will meet an end that is worthy of their wickedness. They do not simply get to "ride off into the sunset." Ultimately, they will stand before the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE WHO will render to "every man according to their works" and cast these unbelievers into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:13-15 pictured above). Stop worrying about life's many injustices--GOD has it all under control. Trust HIM !
What is the remedy for worry and envy regarding evil people and what they do ? It is to sincerely rely upon the LORD. At all times, HE must be our mind's focus. David noted that trusting GOD will have concrete results such as security and satisfaction (v.3). In fact, the person who trusts in the LORD will have the longings of his hear fulfilled as it aligns with GOD's will (v.4 pictured above). The one who places his absolute confidence in the LORD will make the objectives of GOD his own; in other words, the "desires of thine heart" are rooted in what the LORD wants for the one who trusts HIM.
Verse four is not a divine promise for "health and wealth," as some in Christendom try to make it. In fact, mere physical blessings seldom fix the problems that many people have, for material wealth often creates a different set of difficulties all their own. Consider the context--this psalm is about not being overwhelmed by evil. Thus, as one strives to "commit" to the LORD the manner in which he is living, GOD will accomplish that which HE intends (vv.5-6). When the believer conforms his life to the perfect mind and will of GOD, he can then "rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for HIM" (v.7 pictured at the top of the post). This circles back to the fact that our focus must be solely upon the ONE WHO alone can render justice upon the ungodly and their wicked deeds (vv.8-10).
Our LORD is fully aware of the evil and its perpetrators surrounding us. HE was not panicked or alarmed that wicked rulers dominated the world of David's day, and neither do they frustrate HIM today. HE will deal with them according to HIS purposes and program (vv.9-10,13 pictured above, 20 also pictured above). Our responsibility is simply to trust HIM in all things. GDF
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
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