Psalm 37

Have you ever tried to understand how a person could do the very thing you felt was so undeniably wrong, you just could not understand their reason, and, or justification for their actions? When we initially meet people, we want to believe they are, who they say they are…, especially if they profess to be Christians. We forget though, despite their profession, they are still children of God, growing every day, to be better than they were the day before. And this is great, for as Christians, we are taught not to judge others. It is written in Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged”. But …, what if we turned it around to read, “You will not be judged, if you do not judge”. The emphasis is no longer on what not to do, but what will happen if you do. The ramifications of our judgement, seem to be more profound. What if the only way to stop the madness attacking us, is if we stop the madness of judging others? What if we, were the cause of our own demise? … So, better to circumvent the circumstance of speaking, and or thinking ill of someone, lest it come back on us. In whatever regard, it is best not to pass judgement, for it is not ours to render, but the Lords. In Proverbs 21:2, it says “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart”. So, this is nice to know, if ever we are stuck, and do not know how to behave in a situation, when it relates to whether a person is doing right, or wrong, that we can always give it to God. We may not know what they are going through, to enable them to act as they do, but God knows what it is that allows them, in their hearts, to justifiably act the way they behave. He is the only one who truly sees what is going on inside of them. God sees the true intentions of their heart.

And if, by chance, they are untrue, God will fight our battles. Throughout Psalm 37, David speaks of evil doers who become extinct due to their choice of character. He encourages us to give these circumstances of injustice to God, waiting and, believing with assurance, despite the success of those who have offended us with their wickedness, that he will vindicate our injustice. And while humbly turning over the situation, without offense or anger, God will reward us with eternal prosperity to live, and to not become extinct ourselves. For he is pleased how we handled the situation in his care. After, you will begin to see God’s evidence of your vindication. He will even show you, in some instances he has accomplished what he set out to do. For the evidence comes to you, for everyone to see. Whether by coincidence, or firsthand, the demise of the person who inflicted you with such injustice will be revealed. And when you realize that this person is now experiencing the repercussions of their wicked ways, your first instinct is to rejoice, because they hurt, or offended you. But you are then reminded of who you are, and your place in the kingdom, as a child of God. For to delight in someone else’s misfortune, would only be acting out of character. You remember his grace, and the love God has shown you when vindicating your injustice, and so you pray that the person finds his way as well.

We all can think of countless times we were unwillingly taken advantage of because of our vulnerability. Or rumors were spread in order to magnify someone else’s faux integrity. It would be so easy to curse this person, or situation, while justifying our words, or thoughts of anger in lieu of our tragedy. But there is no need for our joy to be disfigured. God has us. So, delight yourself in his goodness one day, and see for yourself his mighty power. When you realize his awesome power, and how he can truly work in your life, it will blow you away! He is your vindicator! He is your shield…

CWB