Psalm 37:1-3 A Psalm of David. "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. (2) For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. (3) Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."
Wickedness and evil have been present in this world since the original sin by
Adam in the Garden of Eden. It is safe to say that wickedness and evil will be
present as long as this earth remains. The Lord gives us two things that we are
NOT to do as we go through this life. We are NOT to be envious of those who
seem to be happy while working unrighteousness. We are not to allow thoughts to
come into our minds that they have everything they want and seem to be very
content. At least twice in the Psalms, we are told what their end will be. Here
in this Psalm, we see that they will be cut down like the grass and wither
away. When we get to the 73rd Psalm, we will see David addressing this subject
again. "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh
slipped. (3) For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the
prosperity of the wicked." (Psalm 73:2-3) Whether we want to admit it or
not, our minds can go in the direction of envy when we see people who seem to
have everything, and even more, than they could ever want or need. In this 73rd
Psalm, David saw their end also. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery
places: thou castedst them down into destruction. (19) How are they
brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with
terrors." (Psalm 73:18-19) Yes, it is easy to get caught up in thoughts of
desiring the earthly, temporal things of life.
The Lord tells us not to "fret" about those things. We are not to
allow those thoughts to rise up in anger and open agitation. But what will
happen if we don't fight against it? Well, for me... the thing that happens
when I allow myself to get all caught up in those things is that I am miserable
while wickedness continues. Or - I make a bigger mess than already is taking
place. So what are we to do? It just might be a good thing for us to
follow the instructions of the Lord: "Trust in the LORD, and do
good." I can't change the world, but hopefully I can take a positive
direction in the corner of the world where I live. And then, what? Well, let me
repeat the instructions of the Lord: "Trust in the LORD, and do
good." In a recent conversation, a good friend said that there are times
when He hears the Holy Spirit speaking to his heart, "Don't you trust
me?" I don't know about you, but that one question hit me hard. I have to
admit there have been too many times when I have tried to take matters into my
own hands rather than place them into the hands of my Heavenly Father.
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and
verily thou shalt be fed."
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord!"
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!