Having an Eternal Perspective in a Fallen World

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Friend, it is so easy to become irritated, frustrated, and even disgusted by all the wrongdoing in this world. Rather than allowing our emotions to overwhelm us, let’s turn to Psalm 37 and find hope in God’s Word. This psalm guides us on having an eternal perspective while living in this fallen world.

1. Remember Evildoers Wither Quickly and Wilt

Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants” (v. 1-2 CSB).

When agitated or even envious of evildoers, go to God. Tell Him why you feel this way and leave it all in His hands. Otherwise, holding onto these emotions will keep you in turmoil.

Keep in mind that God looks down from heaven and is acutely aware of all things. He detests sin even more than we do. But because of His mercy, He longs for evildoers to turn away from their wickedness. However, if they refuse, a day of reckoning awaits them.

Evildoers wither and wilt

Note the above verses state that evildoers wither quickly and wilt. They will soon fade away (Psalm 37:20). Choosing to live by the flesh and giving into sinful desires results in death. (Romans 8:5-6). This means that evildoers are wasting away, in spite of their apparent success. One day, they will face judgment by God Almighty and ultimately be destroyed if they refuse to repent.

On the contrary, believers in Jesus are being renewed day by day into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:16). Plus, their future is secure in Him, for they will spend eternity in heaven. Furthermore, Scripture describes those who trust in the Lord as thriving, fruit bearing trees planted by streams of living water (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

What a contrast to the withering and wilting evildoer! Friend, instead of becoming agitated by evildoers, let’s hold onto these truths. 

2. Trust in the Lord

Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” (v. 3).

The Lord sees you and is watching over you. Trust in Him and keep His way (Psalm 37:34). 

Remember that everyone will answer to Him for their actions. He will repay evildoers for their wickedness. Therefore, leave vengeance in the Lord’s hands and seek to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21). Pray for evildoers to turn away from their sin and to recognize their need for a Savior. In addition to prayer, perhaps the Lord is calling you to counteract evil in some other way.

He is with you, friend. Hold onto Him without wavering, for He is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

3. Take Delight in the Lord

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires” (v. 4).

Spending time with the Lord

Prioritize spending time with the Lord each day. Seek to know Him more. When we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us (James 4:8a). As we pursue intimacy with Him, His desires will become our desires.

One desire of the Creator is for each person to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This desire will become ours as well. We will recognize that evildoers need God in their lives and graciously pray for them rather than becoming agitated or envious of them. 

4. Commit Your Way to the Lord

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act” (v. 5). 

Entrust your entire life to the Lord. He will take care of you and provide as you seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Be still and know that He will act on your behalf in His perfect timing.

An Eternal Perspective

Friend, implementing these 4 principles from Psalm 37 shifts our perspective onto the eternal and prevents us from becoming consumed by the present circumstances of our fallen world. 

Lastly, this beautiful psalm closes with these words of hope: 

“The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, their refuge in a time of distress. The Lord helps and delivers them; He will deliver them from the wicked and will save them because they take refuge in Him” (v. 39-40).

Thank you, Jesus. You are our salvation, our refuge, our helper, our deliverer. We place our trust in You. Help us to leave every circumstance in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Scripture for Further Study

2 Corinthians 4:18, “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (CSB).

Psalm 62:5-6, “Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken” (CSB).

Job 42:2, “I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted” (CSB).

Questions for Reflection

  1. Which of these 4 principles do I struggle with or need to implement?
  2. Do I fully trust the Lord that He is in control of all things?
  3. Do I regularly pray for this fallen world?

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