Do you ever wonder why bad people prosper and good people suffer?  Well, at least it seems that way sometimes.  How do they get away with evil?  Why do those who do the right thing get punished?  David wondered the same thing in Psalm 37.  In forty verses, he refers to the wicked/evil person and the righteous/upright person well over a dozen times.  His main conclusion:  don’t fret over the wicked (v. 1) because trust the Lord (v. 3), commit your life to Him (v. 5), wait on God (v. 7), and don’t get angry (v. 8).  God sees everything and will take care of the wicked person (v. 10).  He says, “Their day is coming” (v. 13).

How do we respond when the wicked seem to prosper?  Stay meek, you will inherit the earth (v. 11). God will not forsake you (v. 25).  Be a blessing to those around you (vv. 21, 26).  Don’t start doing evil but do good (v. 27).  Speak God’s wisdom, justice, and meditate on His Word (v. 30-31).  Keep hoping in the Lord (v. 34). Seek peace (v. 37) and take refuge in the Lord (v. 40). God will repay the wicked.  Stop thinking about their temporary success.  Don’t dwell on how they mistreat and manipulate you or others.  While it looks like they are getting away with it and enjoying prosperity, it will be short-lived.  The psalmist says the righteous will inherit or dwell in the land at least five times (vv. 11, 22, 27, 29, 34).  This is not only a reference to the eternal riches in heaven but also the presence and provision of the Lord on the earth.  His provision may not be worldly riches, but you will receive salvation and deliverance (vv. 39-40), something money can never buy.

Questions:

1. Have you been fretting over the wicked?
2. Has it caused you to stop trusting the Lord?
3. How can you seek peace, justice, and do good in response to an evil situation?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to trust you.  I commit all my ways to you and will not fret over the wicked.  I know their destruction is near and my blessing is eternal.  Help me to meditate on Your Word and enjoy your presence.  You will repay those who are evil and bless those who are righteous?  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.