Introduction: As Christians, we have been caught up in the great war between good and evil. Satan is furious at God, and furious at God's people, and he is determined to attack us in every way possible.
Satan may tempt people directly. But one common way Satan attacks us is by means of our conflicts with other people. Sometimes we ourselves are impatient, selfish and immature. Other times we are troubled by people who are selfish, people who don't take God seriously, people who have a worldly mindset. Psalm 37 is David's personal testimony, and his advice about how to handle these attacks.
In verses 1, 7 and 8 David says...
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong...Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil" (Ps. 37:1, 7, 8).
"Do not fret" is repeated three times, in verses 1, 7 and 8. It is a translation of the Hebrew word "khaw-raw." This word literally means "to glow, to grow warm, to catch on fire," which indicates hot anger.\
Christians today are being frustrated and stirred to anger by political and cultural events the like of which David never saw.
This month's Smithsonian magazine tells me that I am descended from rats that lived 250 million years ago. Here's the article, with a picture. Does it make you mad that your government is using your income tax to fund this?
Sometimes there is a place for anger. There is a place for righteous indignation. Sometimes it can raise us out of our lethargy, and stir us up to do things that need doing. But we need to remember what the Bible says about uncontrolled human anger:
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:19-20).
How can we control our feelings of frustration, anger and anxiety about people who are against things that are good and right?
I. Remind ourselves that the wicked will not ultimately succeed.
Someday the end of the age will come. Jesus will return and set up the eternal Kingdom. Will the wicked even be remembered at all, after a year of glory? After a hundred years of glory? After a million years? Not even the shadow of their memory will exist to darken the world. Remember that.
II. Have faith. Trust in God.
Americans have a long tradition of trusting in God. In 1814 Francis Scott Key wrote in our national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner:
Key's song was officially adopted by Congress in 1931.
On our money we print the statement: "In God we trust."
In the Pledge of Allegiance we recite: "One nation, under God..."
As Christians, God has called us to trust in Him. David in Psalm 37 says this in several different ways:
David says that God will bless us and take care of us:
III. Get busy!
We must not just sit around waiting to see what evil thing comes along next. We need to get active. Do good. Preach the Gospel. Help in a Rescue Mission. Lead a youth group. To bring your friends to church. Support missions. Visit the sick. Help the poor....
After all, aren't we on the winning side? There's a war going on, and there are battles to fight, so let's sharpen up our spiritual swords and get going!
Conclusion: There is much evil in the world, and it can be frustrating to God's people. But don't get discouraged. God is in charge. The wicked will be cut off, and even their memory will be forgotten. Trust in God. Use the gifts God has given you. Participate in building the Kingdom of Christ, and God will bless you and give you peace of mind. Amen.