Psalm 37:7
Be patient and trust the Lord.
Don’t let it bother you
when all goes well for those
who do sinful things.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Probably
every single one of us knows someone who seems to “get by with
murder”. We know people who slack off in their jobs – or treat
coworkers, employees, students and friends terribly – and still seem to
“always come out on top”. We could probably all name someone who cheats
and never seems to get caught…or someone who has spread gossip all over
the place about every “friend” he/she claims…and still, these persons
are lauded as “a wonderful person”. We are familiar with situations
where we feel like we work hard to work hard…and to do the right thing…and those who refuse to “play by the rules” seem to get ahead farther and faster than we ever can.
Here’s
the thing…this is not our problem! These people are not our
responsibility…it is not our job to compare our own lives to theirs. We
don’t answer to them…we answer to God. And sometimes, that can seem
like a tough row to hoe! Why does God allow things to be so difficult
for those of us who are obedient and serve faithfully - while others
seem to be having all the fun (and getting all of the glory and
benefits)?
Truthfully, nothing gets by God. If you watch long
enough and pay close attention, you will see that these people
ultimately have some sort of “comeuppance” or failure of sorts. AND…all
of your own needs are continually met! You may not be the richest,
most prominent person in town. You may not have even the semblance of a
huge following of friends and hangers-on. But you have something far
more valuable…you have God’s favor!
If you continue reading in
Psalm37:9-11, you will see that “All sinners will disappear, but if you
trust the Lord, the land will be yours. Sinners will soon disappear,
never to be found, but the poor will take the land and enjoy a big
harvest.” And in verses 16-19, it says, “It is better to live right and
be poor than to be sinful and rich. The wicked will lose all of their
power, but the Lord gives strength to everyone who is good. Those who obey the Lord are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever. They won’t be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce.”
In other words, God will reward your faithfulness. He will meet your needs. You can rest and relax, because you will never lack anything of significance! Notice I didn’t say you will have EVERYTHING…but you will have everything you need,
according to God’s will. So focus on doing what is right and true…what
you have prayerfully heard God tell you to do. Make His will your
priority…and quit worrying about what the other guy has – or what he/she
is doing. God is more than able to provide for your needs…and handle
those who disobey and disrespect him. Nobody truly “gets by with
murder”…and focusing on those who try is a waste of our time and
energy. Are you busy doing the right thing and trusting God? Isn’t it
time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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