Psalm 37

Read Psalm 37

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers.” David's life was not easy. He had enemies who were eager to see him fall. How would he react to this opposition? Would he be envious of others who were doing wrong and whose lives seemed easier than his?

The success of wickedness is only temporary. David knew this. He strengthened his heart with thoughts of the eternal promises of God. The wicked would “fade like the grass.” In contrast, those who trusted the Lord and delighted in God, had this sure hope: “He will give you the desires of your heart.”

What could the man of faith do as he faced the daily challenges that are part of life? David's advice was both direct and simple: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” God was more than worthy of David's faithful obedience.

An alternative to this approach was the bad habit of giving in to angry outbursts. That kind of life would only lead to more sin and frustration. Why would righteous people plunge themselves into needless emotional turmoil when the Lord Himself had promised that those who trusted in Him would do very well in the end?

Those who worshiped God needed to consider the Lord's reaction to those strutting about in arrogance: “The Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.” God knew well that those who were troubling David were wrong. He did not pretend that they were justified in their sin. He also did not fret about their wickedness. He knew that their evil schemes would ultimately fail.

But what if those who were following the Lord obediently seemed to lose out right now? “Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.” God was more than able to bring them “abundance” in a time of great trial.

As David waited for the Lord's deliverance, he knew that he could be generous to others who were in need. He had observed that the Lord was a willing provider to the families of those who gladly obeyed His Word.

Even when obedience does not seem to bring success in this life, those who have seriously considered the life of our Messiah know that the cross must eventually give way to the crown. Jesus, the only perfectly holy man in history, faced the worst death imaginable as he atoned for our sins. Yet in three days His tomb was empty. He became the first Man in a new resurrection world. There truly is “a future for the man of peace.”

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Lord of Justice and Mercy, why do we worry about evil men? You are with all those who trust in Your power and goodness. We wait for You, O Lord. We shall inherit the land according to Your great promise. We are happy in the assurance that comes from Your Word even today. The wicked have no solid hope, but You will help us in an evil day. Our hope is everlasting and secure. You have ordained our every step, and will take us into Your glorious presence. You love justice. You are a God of mercy to those who trust in You. We love You, O Lord. We know You will never abandon us. There is a great day coming for us in the land of Your perfect glory. We look to You for the future of every good hope.