Psalm 37:7b
“do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
[Here is the word for all of us who wonder why the evil succeed and the righteous seem to fail. 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 so?]
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: 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 we focus on people and events, not 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 prayer, doing good and trusting you in the midst of difficulty. We should refuse to be involved in culture wars where hateful words strengthen focus on our seeming enemy. We should instead be involved in grace giving, loving those who oppose what is biblical, doing good, speaking truth in love, while standing against what is evil. 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.]
Psalm 37:9 “For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”
[We can respond 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.]
Psa 37:10 “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.” [Repetition makes it more certain. In the Lord’s timing, the evil ones will be dealt with.]
Psa 37:11 “But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.”
[And in great contrast, those who submit to your time table, to your plan, will get more than they can 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 in which to act.
We, too, can wait, knowing that you will do all wonderfully. An example of this is how my parents (in the picture here) 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, acting according to what you have revealed, and sharing your grace and goodness to all around us.]
