{Simple Sundays} "Do not fret..."

"Do not fret because of evildoers; do not be envious toward wrongdoers." // Psalm 37:1

It's easy to look around and wonder "why?" Why does it seem like the "bad guys" are winning? Why does it seem like evildoers and wrongdoers prosper more often than the "good guys?"

Perhaps it's because I'm in the stage of life where every female friend is either a new momma or hoping to be, but my mind goes straight to babies when I read that verse... Why is it that women who don't want children or choose to abuse and neglect their children can pop them out easy-as-pie, while women who long to carry and care for a child are left with empty arms and barren wombs?

It's tough to ask that question and impossible to answer it. But dwelling on it does no good. In fact, letting your mind linger there leads to anger and pride and a hardened heart. As humans, it's normal to get upset when we believe something's "not fair." But as followers of Christ, we are called to trust God is working in ways we can't comprehend.

Psalm 37 goes on to offer the most beautiful way to combat our "it's not fair" mindset:

"Do not fret because of evildoers; do not be envious toward wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass and fade like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desire of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as light and your judgement as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret, it leads only to evildoing." {Psalm 37:1-8}

Let's continue to cultivate faithfulness, knowing that evil men may prosper for a moment, but eternal glory awaits those who trust.

Let's bring our desires to the Lord, knowing that only He can satisfy our souls.

Let's rest in the Lord, knowing that He is in control, He is love, and He loves us.

Let's not fret, knowing that it leads only to comparing and complaining.

Let's look for the good and look for the gift in every season instead of anxiously and angrily wondering "why?"