Day 164: Psalms 37, 38, 39 and 40

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 evil men 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; in fact it seems like they are rewarded with long life and prosperity.

There is a warning: Do not fret when men 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.

Is there anything for which you’ve neglected to say, “Thank you,” to your Provider?