WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO?
As we turn on our televisions or read the newspapers, I am sure most of us will be saddened with a feeling of helplessness at the ever-increasing un-Godly ways that are portrayed in society. We read of organisations like Stonewall and Mermaids having ever greater influence, particularly in the lives of the young; calls for easier abortions and introduction of euthanasia; ungodly attitudes in our political leaders’ lives; corruption in the workplace; evil portrayed in the arts and entertainment; and the list goes on and on. Effectively, all so-called pillars of society are being attacked with a godless, satanic agenda. What are these pillars?
Family; Education; Government; Media; Arts and Entertainment; Business; and even Religion…….
As a Christian with no real effective voice, what can we do? This is exactly what King David felt 3500 years ago: “Look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:2, 3)
It is a fair and equally relevant question for us today. We seem to be so powerless against the continuous assault on the fabric of our society. Should we just cry, Woe! and hang our heads in shame, or is there more we can do?
Psalm 37, another Psalm of David, gives us some interesting perspectives as to how we should react:
1) Don’t fret because of those who are evil (v1). Worry, disappointment, and anger feed into the evil one’s agenda (v8).
2) Trust in the Lord AND do good (v3). We should continue to pray for, and work in, our communities demonstrating a different, godly perspective to those with whom we relate.
3) Take delight in the Lord (v4). Enjoy Him; be strengthened in Him and in His might.
4) Commit your way to the Lord (v5). As we are led by the Lord, don’t worry about what the world might think of you.
5) Wait for the Lord (v7). If we can wait for a late bus to turn up, how much more should we patiently wait for the Lord to appear, as we continue with our daily routines.
If we follow these precepts, David repeatedly reminds us that we will, “inherit the land” (v9, 11, 18, 22, 29, 34).
Psalm 37 is a Psalm full of certainty: the word “will” is mentioned over 30 times. Remember, that an inheritance (like a Will) can take time to be obtained, but it is legally yours now and at some point, there is a payout. Claim yours today!
