Seeing evil and godless people get their way in the world can be disheartening for God’s people. While God’s people strive to please God and experience suffering and persecution, the wicked can seem to be prosperous. The Psalmist recognizes this paradox. He encourages those who love God not to fret (1, 7, 8) or worse, envy those who do wrong. Like grass, evildoers will soon wither and die away.

Instead of looking at the wicked, God’s people are told to trust in the LORD and do good. When we delight in the LORD, he promises to give us the desires of our hearts (4). God vindicates us. Trusting and delighting in the LORD is expressed in being still before God, waiting patiently for him, and hoping in him. God will bless us with an eternal inheritance (9b, 10, 11, 18, 22) where we will enjoy peace and prosperity. God cares for the righteous in times of disaster and famine.

On the other hand, the fate of the wicked is certain destruction (9a, 20). Their time is short. God laughs at them (13). He turns their wickedness back upon them (15) and breaks their power.

Do not become weary in doing good and pleasing the LORD (Gal 6:9). Take new strength and delight in the LORD, beginning today.
Application: Father, I repent for fretting because of those who do evil. Help me to delight in you.
One Word: The LORD is the joy of my heart