What frustrates you the most?

For many people, it’s watching someone do the wrong thing and seem to get away with it.

• The coworker who cuts corners gets the promotion.
• The dishonest business succeeds.
• The person who lies or cheats appears to have an easier life than those who are trying to do what is right.

David understood that feeling.

That’s why Psalm 37 begins with a command that may sound impossible:

“Do not fret because of evildoers.”

The word “fret” means more than simply being annoyed. It carries the idea of becoming heated or consumed. David isn’t telling us to ignore evil or pretend injustice doesn’t matter. He’s warning us not to let it take over our hearts.

That’s easier said than done.

When we focus on what others have, envy begins to grow. When we dwell on injustice long enough, anger can become bitterness. Before long, we’re no longer thinking about God’s faithfulness. We’re consumed with someone else’s success.

David offers a better way.

Instead of fretting, he says to trust in the Lord, delight yourself in the Lord, commit your way to the Lord, and be still before the Lord.

Those aren’t four steps to earning God’s favor. They’re a description of what faith looks like when life doesn’t seem fair.

One summer, a farmer planted his fields just as he had done for years. Weeks passed without much visible change. Meanwhile, weeds sprang up quickly along the edges of the field. Someone driving by might have thought the weeds were winning.

But the farmer wasn’t worried.

He knew that weeds often grow fast, while a healthy crop takes time. Harvest would reveal the difference.

David makes a similar point. Evil may appear to flourish for a season, but appearances are not the final verdict. God sees what we cannot. His justice is certain, even when it seems delayed.

As Christians, we don’t have to wonder how the story ends.

Jesus has already won the decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil. His kingdom is growing, often hidden and patiently, until the day He returns to make all things new.

The truly good things of life, God gives us abundantly today and will do so even more so when He returns. This is certain.

That gives us the freedom to leave justice in God’s hands while faithfully serving Him today.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

When I become frustrated by the evil I see around me, keep my heart from becoming bitter. Help me to trust in Your justice and Your timing. Give me the patience to continue serving You faithfully, knowing that through Jesus, Your victory is already secure.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

• Your family
• Your local church
• Your pastor
• Some of your fellow church members
• The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
• Your country and her leaders
• Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.