Are you jealous? Do you look at what others have and wish you had them, or could afford them? Do you wonder how someone with such bad behavior could climb so high? Do you wonder how someone can be evil and yet go unpunished?
Seeing others prosper, acquiring all the grown-up toys we wish we had can be a challenge. We want the jet ski, boat, camper, side-by-side, new truck, pool in the back yard, and any number of other things. It is especially challenging when we believe the person cheats his or her way to them.
The Psalmist tells us to be patient. The wicked will face their demise. They will lose all they have and will be punished for their wickedness. If they achieved riches through deception and by walking on others, they will be brought down. The wicked must repent and turn their hearts to God or they will be punished for their wickedness.
The Hebrew word the Psalmist uses can be interpreted as meek, humble, or oppressed. The meaning is those who are being oppressed by the rich and powerful, who are poor, or who do not think highly of themselves. Jesus quotes this piece of the Psalm, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
Why the patience? God will reward those who continue to be faithful to him. They will be granted an overabundance for eternity. Their time of doing without in this life will be rewarded with more than they can imagine in eternity. For true riches are in our faith not in material wealth. For material wealth can keep us from relying on God.
I pray we all stop being envious of those who seem to have it all. I pray we hold on to our faith. I pray each one of us trust that we will receive more than we can imagine in eternity. Do not be envious. Hold on to your faith. Trust God will reward you abundantly. Trust God’s promises.
Psalm 37:10-11
Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.
But the meek shall inherit the land,
and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
Marty Pressey 