"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Psalm 37:1-9

 May 7

"Fret not yourself because of the wicked, be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your vindication as the light, and your right as the noonday. Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over him who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the wicked shall be cut off; but those who wait for the LORD shall possess the land." - Psalm 37:1-9 (RSV)

There is perhaps no more consuming event than being victimized by someone who is dishonest, manipulative, wicked, or evil. The battle is usually won first in our mind, however, rather than in a court of law or level playing field offering justice. Too often there is little we can do legally when victimized. However, the secondary victimization is worse than the initial one as our minds and spirits become preoccupied with what has happened to us and filled with the hurt and shame we have endured. David knew this only too well when he wrote Psalm 37 amidst his own battle with evil. He shares an invaluable survival guide bringing victory to any victim of unfairness or evil as he tells us to take 8 steps for eventual victorious resolution:

1) Fret not but trust in the Lord;

2) Do Good & Delight in God;

3) Commit your future to the Lord;

4) Let God vindicate you;

5) Be still in your mind and spirit;

6) Wait patiently for God to bring you justice;

7) Don't let anger and rage consume you;

In due season, God will restore your losses.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, Free me from fretting over wrongs. Amen. 

Meditation For The Day: God will vindicate you in time!

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)