Trust In The Lord And Do Good

TRUST IN THE LORD AND DO GOOD

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

Don’t worry about the wicked

or envy those who do wrong.

For like grass, they soon fade away.

Like spring flowers, they soon wither.

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,

and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the LORD,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Don’t worry about evil people who prosper

or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop being angry!

Turn from your rage!

Do not lose your temper—

it only leads to harm.

For the wicked will be destroyed,

but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.

Soon the wicked will disappear.

Though you look for them, they will be gone.

The lowly will possess the land

and will live in peace and prosperity.

The wicked plot against the godly;

they snarl at them in defiance.

But the Lord just laughs,

for he sees their day of judgment coming.

The wicked draw their swords

and string their bows

to kill the poor and the oppressed,

to slaughter those who do right.

But their swords will stab their own hearts,

and their bows will be broken.

It is better to be godly and have little

than to be evil and rich.

For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,

but the LORD takes care of the godly.

Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent,

and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.

They will not be disgraced in hard times;

even in famine they will have more than enough.

But the wicked will die.

The LORD’s enemies are like flowers in a field—

they will disappear like smoke.

The wicked borrow and never repay,

but the godly are generous givers.

Those the LORD blesses will possess the land,

but those he curses will die.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly.

He delights in every detail of their lives.

Though they stumble, they will never fall,

for the LORD holds them by the hand.

It is easy to get discouraged about the overwhelming amount of injustice and pain in our world, which is so often characterized by broken governments, oppressive systems, and discriminatory cultural practices. We may wonder, Does God really see what’s happening? Does he really care? When is he going to make things right? This psalm reminds us that the essence of our faith in God is our belief that he will right the wrongs of the world. Our job is to continue doing good, aligning ourselves with his ways in the world and trusting that he will ultimately bring justice. How might our lives be shaped if we were to see injustice, do our parts, and stand firm in the belief that all wrongs will be righted in the end?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• When you see injustice in the world, what is your typical reaction (sorrow, anger, compassion, apathy, a desire to act, defensiveness)? Why do you think you respond that way? How do the words of this psalm influence how you might respond in the future?
• What do you do when you are treated unfairly? What determines whether you speak up or not? How do the words of this psalm affect how you might respond in the future?

Lord, I need to be reminded of your presence in this world filled with injustice. I want to join in the good you’re doing and be part of your restoration. Fill me with passion for those who are mistreated or oppressed, and give me the humility to forgive anyone who does me wrong. Allow my heart to delight in you and reflect your coming Kingdom each and every day. Amen.