In the last couple of days I’ve had conversations with several people who are angry and discouraged by the injustice going on. People in power are getting away with serious crimes while the average joe goes to jail for years for the same thing. The lying, cheating, destructive decisions, the crazy things people espouse and you can’t object without being attacked. The all drives people to anger and sometimes despair.
I’ve been rememorizing Psalm 37, the place I go when having difficulties with people (like my vengeful renter). Starting in verse 7 there is great direction for our times. Notice the commands
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.
This reminds me of Asaph in Psalm 73 who was so stressed out by the corrupt officials. He said, “When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply
till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
Then Asaph looked back on his fretting and anger and realized that “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.” Not smart!
And he also realized this, in spite of my stupidity, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
His conclusion is: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
A good orientation for us in our times! So, let us,“ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him… For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”
The Lord has a plan–are we willing to wait for His timing, and in the meantime delight ourselves in Him and His wonderful goodness?
The wrath of God will come on the wicked. Picture from internet
