Psalm 37:1 Of David. “Fret not yourself because of evildoers;”
[Praise you, Lord, for your clear commands which steer us away from our natural, selfish reactions and towards your wonderful ways.
It is so easy to get worked up about evildoers: selfish political leaders here and abroad, unjust actions, destructive organizations and brutal attacks. But you in your great wisdom and knowledge of the future, have reasons for allowing them. You will use them to open people’s eyes to truth and bring many into your Kingdom while maturing your children. Therefore we can rest in you and pray for and about them, rather than wasting energy and time in fretting.
It was wonderful to do that in this past election, knowing that you would bring to pass what was best. I could just rest in you, the One who takes down and sets up rulers.]
“be not envious of wrongdoers!”
[It is so easy to envy their power, the effectiveness of their ways and thereby imitate their methods, desiring to use them, of course, for good. But the good is then tainted and negated by the world’s wily ways.
“Be not!” I praise you for this command that moves us towards a supernatural view of things, freeing us from what is natural. Then we can live and act out of your thoughts and understanding: loving our enemies, praying for those who persecute us, forgiving those who harm us. Praise you for the possibility of letting go of temporary values, of holding on to what is eternal and rising above our difficult situations.]
Psalm 37:2 “For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.”
Here’s the freeing perspective you give us: these evil doers won’t be around for too long. You will cause them to fail and fade (think of Stalin, Hitler and Mao), while your children still stand, because you are the preserver and protector of the righteous.
Praise you that you can see into the future, that you know all to come and that we can trust you to work out what is best, guiding us in joining you in the process.
To obey worldly ways brings death. To obey you brings eternal fruit. Help us to choose your ways throughout this day so we can honor you before all.
