Readings for today: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94
It is easy to “fret yourself because of evildoers.” Today I drove through a town of radical Muslim extremists who make a huge profit off of selling khat which is a highly addictive drug. It’s one of the darkest areas in this region. Christians have lost their lives trying to plant churches here. The hostility and persecution of anyone who does not share the Muslim faith is fierce and unrelenting. The exploitation and oppression of the addicted is heartbreaking. The poverty is back-breaking. And it would be easy to respond with anger and hate. Lash out at those who perpetrate such abuse and violence. There’s something deep inside all of us that longs to see those who do evil get what’s coming to them. We get frustrated when they seem to prosper. We lose heart when they get ahead. We question the justice of God when the wicked seemingly get away with all their plots and schemes.
Once again, the Psalmist gives voice to how we feel. He speaks directly to our hearts and points us to God. He helps us reframe our understanding and teaches us God’s eternal perspective. Do not be envious of those who do wrong. They will fade like the grass. Do not fret over the one who carries out evil. For they will be cut off. In the grand scheme of things, the evil only prosper for a moment but it is the righteous and the meek and the godly who will inherit the earth. Our job is not to seek revenge but to trust in the Lord and do good. Our job is not to focus on all that’s wrong in the world but to delight ourselves in God and commit to walk in His ways. If we remain faithful, God promises to make our light shine. He promises to give us an eternal inheritance and the blessing of peace. He promises to uphold the righteous and never let us be put to shame. He promises to establish our steps and provide for our needs and give us a future.
Reading through the Psalms gives us God’s perspective. It reminds us that life is best viewed on an eternal timeline. The sufferings of this world are temporary. The injustices of this world will one day cease. The pain and hardship of this world will fade away. Only the will of God and the Word of God endures forever. The Psalmist challenges us to live with God’s Kingdom in mind. To embrace eternal life as a gift in the here and now. To not put off until tomorrow what God is promising us today. Trust in the Lord and do what is good. Commit your way to the Lord and He will act. Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him. The Lord delivers all those who take refuge in Him.
Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 119:1-88