PSALM 37

With all the current “Erap”-tions, people are angry and frustrated. Watching the peso fall daily with interest rates climbing by leaps and bounds, makes people anxious and nervous. How should a Christian respond to such a time of political, economic, and social unrest?

Bobby and Peter grew up together as cousins. Two months ago, they started a new business selling cellular phones. Business was brisk, surprisingly. But one late Friday afternoon in October, we received unconfirmed news about Bobby’s untimely demise. It was confirmed on TV later that evening that indeed it was Bobby who was murdered in his store together with two employees of his lessor. We asked: why Bobby? God! What are you doing about all these? How do you expect us to respond to such a misfortune? How could we just let go of these senseless killers?

David speaks to us today from Psalm 37. In all his adversities, he is probably asking God the same questions. God! Where are you in the time of pain; in times where evil seems to flourish unchecked? To our surprise, the simple answer is just “KEEP QUIET!”

Psalm 37’s proverbial genre renders no clear outline but cycles on the same theme that evil men though prospering for a while, will be judged. In contrast, the righteous must trust God and do good. God is righteous to vindicate their cause.

David began with a twofold negative command. Do not be angry, neither be envious of the wicked who are prospering now (v. 1, also v. 7b-8). From experience, we know that anger does not necessarily accomplish God’s righteousness. It usually leads to impulsive responses that produce more evil. Have you ever seen a fireman fighting fire with a lighted torch? NEVER! In the same way, our anger cannot eradicate evil. It only adds fuel to fire (v. 8).

In a society where evil is perpetuated or accepted as a way of life, believers are often intimidated to live as “the Romans live.” If you cannot win them, join them. Besides, bad people seem to enjoy more material gain than the law-abiding ones. Christian businessmen in the Philippines specially find it difficult even just to survive if they do not follow the ways of the unbelievers. But David admonished us not to envy their momentary affluence.

David gave three straightforward reasons why one need not fret over the prosperity of the evildoers:

First. Evil men do not live forever. Verse 1 says that they will wither like grass very soon. They will be cut off (v. 9). In a little while, they will not be found (v. 10). They will perish and vanish like smoke (v.20). They soon passed away and were no more (v. 35) Although we remember such names as Adolf Hitler or Ferdinand Marcos, we do not see them anymore. Their lives were cut short at the height of their power.

On the other hand, David gave us a series of positive imperatives. With each command, a blessing is also attached.

The psalmist does not in any way suggest passive resignation. Side by side with the command to trust God is the imperative to DO GOOD. Verse 27 repeats, “Turn from evil and do good.” The believers must continue to practice their righteous deeds to counter the evil in society. In the New Testament, we are also called to overcome evil with good and not evil for evil. In many ways, Christians are so behind in their social concern. We lose out to the Buddhists who are quick to respond to needs in time of distress, even if they do it for a different reason. Many times we have to wait for our next monthly meeting and go through long deliberations before we approve a meager contribution. Yes, we are not saved by good works; but we are saved unto good works.

As we commit our life to the Lord, He will act and work things out for us, including our vindication (v. 8 RSV). The Lord will not leave us in the power of the wicked or allow us to be condemned when brought to trial (v. 33). God enthroned David who was pursued by King Saul for many years and refused to lay his hand on the life of the king. Paul also testified that his cause was known to the whole praetorium. He was in chain for the sake of the gospel and not for his own crime (Phil. 1:13). Righteousness and justice will be brought out to the light.

On my recent visit to Singapore Bible College, I met my schoolmate who had just arrived after fifteen years of studies and ministry in the United States. His wife related to me that their three kids kept quarreling after arriving in Singapore. They suspected that the humid and warm weather could be the reason. Sure enough when they kept the air conditioner running the whole day, the children were now playing happily with one another. In the same way, when our hearts are calm and cool before the Lord, beautiful things begin to unfold. We can fight the raging fire of evil not with our passionate fire of anger, but rather with a steady flow of God’s righteousness through our lives of faith. ¨

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4 (NIV)