Psalm 37:7b “do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
[This command shows how are we NOT to respond when our leaders pass laws approving of evil, bringing wickedness and encouraging disobedience to your Word. Such things will happen: God allows them for His reasons and will use this evil to open the eyes of many to their need for a Savior. Our part is to NOT fret. Are we willing to trust Him and obey this command?]
Psalm 37:8 “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
[God knows the natural tendencies of our heart: fretting, fear, anger, chafing and wrath. All of these are wrong. I praise you, Lord, that your Word is clear: these human reactions lead to the opposite of what you want, Lord, because in indulging in fretting, anger and wrath, we focus on people and events, rather than on you with your great plans, your wide wisdom, you magnificent might that you will use to right all wrongs at the appropriate time.
Help us to let go of our anger, to move through forgiveness and prayer, doing good and trusting you in the midst of difficulty. We should refuse to be involved in culture wars where hateful words strengthen the focus on our seeming enemy. The rhetoric of talk show hosts, with its name calling and bitter opposition is not for us. The rhetoric of Jesus in the sermon on the mount is what we should pursue. We are called to be involved in grace giving, loving those who oppose what is biblical, doing good, speaking truth in love–while standing against what is evil.]
Psalm 37:9 “For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”
[Here is the word for all of us who wonder why the evil succeed and the righteous seem to fail: their failure is temporary; the righteous will endure and reign forever. We can respond in every situation in grace, in goodness and wisdom because we know the outcome. The wicked will be dealt with, while we who Hope in you, Lord, will get all. We may have temporary setbacks, losses and defeats, but in the long run, you will bring the victory. This we need to keep in mind.]
Psalm 37:10,11 “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 great peace.”
[In this great contrast, the wicked will be taken away, while those who submit to your timetable, to your plans, will get more than they can possibly imagine and with it have great peace. I praise you, Lord God, for the richness of your heart, the splendor of your schemes, the magnificence of your mind, all displayed in your persistent patience as you wait for the perfect point at which to act.
So, we can wait, knowing that you will do all wonderfully at the opportune time. An example of how waiting on your timing is how my parents (pictured here in their youth) finally came to Christ in their 80s, after many years of prayer for them.
Help us, Lord, to be people after your own heart, believing your Word, waiting for your timing, acting according to what you have revealed, and sharing your grace and goodness with all around us.]