July 11 | Psalm 37

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DAILY READING

Psalm 37

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REFLECTION

Vengeance is NOT Mine

By Carmel Elmer

Injustice

Meditate on that word for a moment. What comes to mind for you?

Injustice is a pretty packed word and can evoke so many emotions and emotional responses. Anger, sadness, outrage, hostility, helplessness, jealousy. These may be some of the reactions that come to mind when you think about the injustice that exists in our world today. It's hard to see someone prosper when you know they've gotten ahead by stepping over others or simply ignoring the need around them and instead, focusing on personal gain. Whether it's a world leader who attacks a neighboring country for their land or resources or the person in the 'corner office' with a beautiful view of the skyline who doesn't exactly play by the rules, it's hard to understand why people who do the wrong things often seem to be rewarded for it.

The main message of Psalm 37 is to "Trust in the Lord and do good" (vs. 3) when you see wicked people succeed or you are the victim of a personal injustice.

"Do not fret because of those who are evil

or be envious of those who do wrong;

for like the grass they will soon wither,

like green plants they will soon die away." vs 1-2

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;

do not fret—it leads only to evil." vs 8

We are wired for justice so it can be so difficult to stop ourselves from wanting to get back at someone who hurts us or fight for others who are being treated unfairly. But in Psalm 37 we are told to respond to injustice in a way that doesn't come naturally to most of us.

We are told to trust in the Lord, do good, wait patiently, and hope in the Lord instead of giving in to our knee jerk reaction to fight back. Why? Because God will take care of things in His way, in His time.

"The wicked plot against the righteous

and gnash their teeth at them;

but the Lord laughs at the wicked,

for he knows their day is coming.

The wicked draw the sword

and bend the bow

to bring down the poor and needy,

to slay those whose ways are upright.

But their swords will pierce their own hearts,

and their bows will be broken." vs. 12-15

I know what it's like to experience personal injustice at the hands of someone who you trust, and I know my first reaction was NOT to trust in God to make it right. But I also know there is so much peace that can be gained from not seeking justice on your own and, instead trusting that God will balance the scales if you focus on doing what is right in response to other's wrong doing. It may not change the circumstance right away, but it does change how you feel about what is happening. We may not see justice served on this side of heaven, but we can trust that God's got this.

I have also learned that one of the hardest things to do is to pray for someone who has been unfair to you; but I think it is what we are called to do. My mom used to say "Let go and let God". That prayer for the unjust is hard but it is probably the best way to show our trust in a God who knows what we need and who will take care of us if we allow Him.

"The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;

he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

The Lord helps them and delivers them;

he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

because they take refuge in him." vs. 39-40

PRAYER

Abba, this world is so unfair sometimes and I want to fight back. I find myself feeling jealous of people who seem to get their way by hurting others and I don't understand. But I trust You, and I know You will provide what I need if I let go and let You! In times when injustice seems to surround me, help me to turn to the words of Psalm 37 and allow them to penetrate my heart, and guide my actions.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CARMEL ELMER

I have attended UALC for nearly 25 years, but faith has always been at the center of my life. My mom was an incredible role model, demonstrating a trust in God that surpassed any circumstance. I will always be grateful for her incredible example of faith, and I pray that one day, my children will say the same about me.