Considering what is happening in our country, David’s words in Psalms 37 seem surprisingly fitting: “Do not fret because of evildoers … Trust in the Lord, and do good: Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness … Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass . Do not fret — it only causes harm.” (Psalms 37:1-8).
David had troubles of his own. His kingdom was consolidated and growing, yet he faced opposition from within and without (neighboring nations).
The righteous appeared to be struggling while the wicked flourished. Three times David said, “Do not fret.” He knew that fretting produced anxiety and stress and thus eroded mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
“Feed on his faithfulness.” David did not ignore the bad. He mentions the deeds of the wicked; their plots against the poor, needy and just, and their seeming success. But of the 40 verses in Psalms 37, only eight focus on the bad. Most of the remaining 32 verses focus on the Lord, His love, protection, blessings, justice and promises for the future.
David knew that feeding on God’s faithfulness was an antidote for fretting.
Absent the belief in the divine or a gracious God, the focus can still be on the positive, the beautiful, the good. The rose has thorns, and it is best to be aware of them, but it would be tragic to focus on the thorns and miss the beauty and fragrance of the flower.
Trust in God. Seek the good. Do not fret.
Bruce McClay
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