Psalm 37 is like a proverb giving advice to the readers regarding the wicked. David wrote, "Don't worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires (Psalm 37:1-4)." Comparing ourselves to the success of unbelievers is not good for us, especially in regard to material possessions. Let us not envy when wickedness continues to prosper because of their wickedness. When we see them making more money than us, becoming more influential, being promoted at the workplace, or having more stuff than us, we need to realize that all those things will soon fade away. The way of the wicked is different than God's ways. The wicked focus on how they can get rich and be successful through any means necessary, including cheating, lying, committing crimes, stealing, using others, taking advantage of others, or setting God aside.
As believers, we need to continue to trust in the Lord with our needs and do good in whatever situations we are in, whether it will be at the workplace, at home, or at school. Then God is going to protect and bless us. We do not put our trust in the riches of this world because they will not last. The material and the riches of this world cannot give us the ultimate peace that we are looking for because they are all going to affect us externally. The peace and joy that we are looking for are coming from within us. It is the presence of God that lives in us that will give us joy and peace in our hearts. We may not have much, but we are content in the Lord. Let us take delight in the Lord, and He will give us the desires of our hearts. When we delight in the Lord, we seek Him and walk in His ways.
Let us continue to trust in the Lord and do good. Let us focus on delighting in the Lord, and He will give us the desires of our hearts. Continue to love the Lord and obey Him, and the peace of God will overwhelm our hearts and minds. Let us be content with what God has for us today.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). Why is it not good for me to compare myself to the success of the wicked? Am I seeking peace and joy through delighting in the Lord or through the ways of this world? How can I have peace and joy within me?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, You are the ultimate provider of everything. Please help me to delight in you. I confess that I delight more in the things of this world. Please forgive me. May you help me to continue to trust you and do good that you may be glorified in me? Protect my heart from temptations to trust in the riches of this world, but help me to be content in you, for you are the ultimate giver of blessings. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.