Life is filled many challenges and disappointments. Throughout these struggles, we need encouragement. In Psalm 37, God’s Word encourages us to hold on just a little while longer, because our day is coming. This day coming will bring us a revelation and the manifestation of God’s promises. We just cannot give up on them, because our day is coming. The Psalm opens with these words, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb,” (Psalm 37, 1-2).
The psalmist lets us know that even though the wicked think they are prospering at the expense of others, “The Lord laughs at him, for he sees that his day is coming.” The psalm closes with these words, “but the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him,” (Psalm 39-40).
The truth is we witness wickedness in our communities, country, and world. Human sex trafficking is wicked. Rape is wicked. Perpetrating violence to control someone is wicked. Denying someone access to healthcare is wicked. Telling lies and talking about people behind their backs is wicked. It seems like the ways of the wicked progress, and that sinful living is the norm and those who are doing right are the ones who are suffering. These types of thoughts have the ability to discourage those of us who want to do God’s will, and live a righteous life.
We have to keep in mind that our day is coming, and their day is coming. The songwriter is true in saying only things we do for Christ will last. All of us, at some point, have permitted evildoers to get under our skin. We have permitted them to steal our joy outside the character of God. We have even spent time trying to respond to their evil. Some have even found themselves jealous and envious of evildoers while we watch them prosper and move ahead. We do not have think like this because evildoers will be cut down like the grass and wither away like green herbs. We do not have to deal with evildoers; their day is coming.
The psalmist’s words are important to our understanding of God. The psalmist’s description of the consequences of the work of evil and the benefits of the work of good show us that God is watching. God knows about it. God will handle situations in his own timing and method. We also learn God has a sense of humor—God laughs at them. We do not have to worry about it. God has everything under control, both good and evil. How many times have we witnessed people try to take evil into their own hands?
We do not have to do evil for evil. Their day is coming. Like in the movies, the good guy will win in the end. Batman, Superman, Cat Woman and the others suffer doing the right thing. As we watch their journey, most of it is spent defeated. It looks like the bad guy is going to win in the end.
However, these super heroes never give up (even when the odds are against them). In the end, they experience the victory. This is also true for us.
If we are willing to allow the Lord to order our steps and live after God’s plan for us and put our trust in God, we will see the salvation of the Lord. He will deliver us from the wicked. Your day is coming.
