I know people whose families have been ripped apart after their parents or grandparents died and those remaining argued and grabbed for what their loved ones left behind. Relationships were permanently severed, leaving bitter resentment between family members. This is not the legacy we want to leave for our children. Or for anyone.
Sadly, even when we try to be fair and do the right thing, we live in a world riddled with favoritism and inequality. We cry out to God for justice!
King David struggled with these offenses just as we do. People did wrong and got away with it, even prospered, while the good guys floundered and suffered loss. He wrote Psalm 37 when he was older, after experiencing more of life. He wanted to reassure his son Solomon (who was to be the next king), and his people, that the good guy really does win in the end. This is something we all need to hear again and again!
The word “fret” literally means “to burn up emotionally,” and is used four times in the NIV translation of the Bible. Three of those instances are found in Psalm 37 (verses 1, 7, and 8). The fourth mention is in Proverbs 24:19, likely written by Solomon, based on wisdom he learned from his father.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land…Hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it (Psalm 37:8-9,34, emphasis mine).
We don’t have to worry and stew when we witness or are hammered by injustice. God will make it right. “Evil will be destroyed…those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land…He will exalt His followers…and if you stay true to God, you will see justice.” David and Solomon are now experiencing the perfection of heaven in Jesus’ presence. And soon, He will take home the rest of His children and judge those who do evil. This is our inheritance, as children of righteousness, if we do not give up our hope in Him.
Whatever happens in this life, “He is our “Provider.” Song by Cade Thompson