psalm 37 1+2

Nuclear and terror-driving boneheads intent on their own mad agendas cause me concern.  Our world is full of monstrous men who fear nothing other than peace and goodwill towards others.  And to be honest, on the world scene, I worry about that.  And to be more honest, on the small scale everyday action of my life, I worry about the local boneheads that would like to benefit from taking advantage of "good people"… (a category I presumptively lump myself into).

And then I read these words this morning:

"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away."  – Psalm 37:1-2.

Or, like the Message puts it: Don't bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked.  In no time they will shrivel like grass clippings and wilt like cut flowers in the sun.

What if I were to truly trust these words?  How would my engagement with the world change?  For instance, I assume that some of my political and worldviews are driven out of worry of evil men.  What if I didn't worry?  Would I still do something about these sick people?  Is the Bible suggesting that I turn my brain off and not care because eventually these mongers will die? 

Or, perhaps, if I were to truly trust these words, would my political engagement of the world be driven by faith and hope and love rather than fear?  Could I be empowered by the fact that in the end God will preserve what is good and true?  Could I stand in confidence against evil because I wouldn't be afraid that it could somehow overpower this world?  Where, O Death, is your victory?  Where, O Death, is your sting?  If I truly trust these words, perhaps I could proactively engage the planet with power knowing that God will not allow evil to triumph over the long haul.

There is nothing in this verse to interpret as soft.  There is no wishy washy stance here.  There is no weakness.  Neither, I suggest, is there any pacifism- an avoidance of conflict.  In fact, I think conflict and strife and war is inherent in these words… A fight between temporal attempts at destruction and the everlasting almighty hand of God.  In that truth I can stand and face my foe without buckling my knees in lost frustration.  Who would I like to fear?  Who should drive my confidence?  Who's arm of might and justice and wrath will prevail? 

Thought that way, it's an easy choice.  I choose to join sides with the Mighty Mower of the Yard; the Almighty Trimmer of the Flowers.