THE HERITAGE OF THE GODLY – “FRET NOT BECAUSE OF EVILDOERS”

One of the strangest paradoxes in life is the suffering of those who desire to be good, and the prosperity of those who are wantonly lawless and evil. I am sure all of us must have thought on this subject a few times, if not more. It would be certainly disheartening and discouraging to all who want to walk on the godly paths of righteousness. It may even appear that their efforts to live a godly and righteous life is futile and unrewarding.

Let us see what does the Word of God has to say on this subject. Let us read Psalm 37:1-2, written by David. I am sure it would be comforting to all who desire to walk on godly path. It would also be enlightening to read what the LORD thinks about the lawless, wicked and evil people, who have scant respect for God’s law and His ways, and their logical end.
– “​1 Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.” – Psalm 37:1-2

For our meditation this morning, let us look at “DO NOT FRET BECAUSE OF EVILDOERS” – the first part of Psalm 37:1. To begin the Psalm, the way David does, is an interesting way to start a Psalm. Let us see what we can learn from these words.

1- “DO NOT FRET BECAUSE OF EVILDOERS”
The words are plain and simple. The LORD our God, speaking through David, wants us not to be worried, concerned, disturbed or worked up because of the evildoers. This is precisely why – “DO NOT FRET BECAUSE OF EVILDOERS” – are the opening words of the psalm 37. 
– “To fret is to worry, to have the heart-burn, to fume, to become vexed. Nature is very apt to kindle a fire of jealousy when it sees law-breakers riding on horses, and obedient subjects walking in the mire.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

The line of thinking behind the words “FRET NOT…” of this Psalm is that, even though the evil one seems or appears to prosper unhindered, despite their wicked and evil ways; while the godly children of God seem to suffer a lot, despite they desiring wholeheartedly to walk on the narrow way – the matter does not end on such an unjust note. There is more to the whole thing than what is visible to our eyes. This is what David is focussing upon, and hence says, “FRET NOT….”

Are we worried, concerned, disturbed or worked up because of the evildoers? “DO NOT FRET BECAUSE OF EVILDOERS” says the LORD. When we read the Bible, the Word of God helps us to see the truth and the reality of all evildoers, and their logical end.
– “19 Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; 20 For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21 My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; 22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring?” – Proverbs 24:19-22 

David who knew His God all too well, exhorts us through these words to trust God and His sovereignty. He is advising us, not to go by what seems to appear as a happy and prosperous life of the evildoers. Therefore, David says, “FRET NOT BECAUSE OF EVILDOERS” because “THE HERITAGE OF THE GODLY” is rich and satisfying – far beyond what one can see or imagine. It is better that anything that the evildoers may have. The good part of God’s blessing is, it comes without any heartburn and heartaches. HalleluYah!!! Even so, the LORD help us NOT TO FRET, but to TRUST GOD and WALK in all HIS WAYS faithfully and obediently, looking unto Jesus, the Author and the Finisher of our faith.