The Weekly Perspective

by TJ Draper, Deacon

Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
– Psalm 37:1-2

Politics in our time can be a ready source for discouragement. Whether you’ve noted some stirrings of presidential campaigning, or taken stock of other political landscapes locally or nationally, the present outlook and near future can seem rather bleak. Perhaps you have concerns for the further loss of freedoms, or perhaps a politician in your district is standing up for the evil of abortion, gender confusion, child mutilation, or any number of modern-day iniquities.

These are the issues of our day, and they are certainly worthy of our attention as we seek to be salt and light. However, the key question to ask yourself in light of Psalm 37 — and certainly one that convicts me — is, are you fretting because of evildoers accumulating political power? Are you even envious of their position in this world? Look at how the iniquitous prosper! Do we not sometimes wish that was us? It’s so easy for us in our flesh to dwell and fret on that. But David here reminds us of the reality of the situation: their ways do not please God and they will be cut down and wither. Put the lens of the psalms on so that you may see clearly. And when you do, you see their prosperity is fleeting. The psalms reveal the reality of God’s universe: if you delight in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart!