Keep Calm, God Will Act

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

Psalm 37:8 (RSV)

In this passage, David teaches us the wisdom we should show in the face of others' success, especially when it is achieved through dishonest means. Often, we find ourselves in difficult situations where we feel completely abandoned by God. When everything seems to be going from bad to worse, we see others progressing and succeeding in their endeavors. Those who reject divine grace achieve their life goals, while we suffer greatly. This reality sometimes leads us to question and doubt.

In these circumstances, we tend to envy those around us. We develop hatred, resentment, even anger. As David mentions at the beginning of this psalm, do not fret over those who prosper. Anger breeds tension, stress, and anxiety. Your whole being will be affected. That is why he advises us to entrust our fate to the Lord, for He will act. The fear of failure you feel when you see someone else succeed can be surrendered to God in prayer.

If you rely on what you see and your emotions, you will always be angry and vulnerable, because the success of others will influence your reasoning and your faith in God. When you feel stuck, trust God and entrust all your worries to Him, for irritation and torment will lead you to sin. The enemy will seize the opportunity to lead you astray; therefore, trust God and do not let the things of this world steal your peace and joy. God alone is able to meet the needs of believers and non-believers alike. Remain calm in the midst of the storm.

May God's grace and peace be with you.