The Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is
coming (Psalm 37:13).
This psalm begins with the admonition: Do not fret
because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong (v. 1). The context of this statement
is that sometimes it looks like those who care nothing for God or God’s people
go on their merry way with no consequences. They hurt us to help themselves,
like we’re just rungs on their ladder to the top. Rather than suffer payback
for their cruelness and greed, it seems like they are rewarded with long life
and prosperity.
Do not fret because of those who are evil. Thank God that even though evil people
may do me harm, I have a promise: If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). The overweening theme of
my life has become: God is for us.
This psalm also contains a warning: Do not fret when
people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain
from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil (vv. 7,8). The psalmist writes that
when we get preoccupied with why others – any others – have it so good when we
struggle to get by, we are asking for trouble.
You shall not covet . . . anything that belongs to your
neighbor (Exodus 20:17).
Wanting what someone else has shows disdain for all that God
has given us. Besides, such an attitude shows a serious case of
shortsightedness: Their day is coming… and so is ours.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Is there anything for which
you’ve neglected to say, “Thank you,” to your Provider?
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