We live in an era of the 24-hour news cycle which, if you didn’t know, started with the O.J. Simpson murder case in 1994. The constant drive to know more, faster has resulted in the creation of multiple cable news channels competing for viewership in a multibillion-dollar industry. Millions of people have developed an appetite for a constant flow of information, many to their own detriment. One health study found that “news addiction” causes stress, anxiety and other negative physical health effects.
While a murder trial and other breaking events may temporarily take over the headlines, politics seem to be the prevailing topic of news channels. Presidential and mid-term elections, nominations for Supreme Court Justices or the chair of the Federal Reserve Board—there is always a way to draw a line and champion a crusade that widens the divide. You don’t have to be classified as an addict to experience the distress of those headlines.
To be sure, there are very good reasons there is a divide between candidates and their respective platforms. In some cases it is the difference between life and death! This isn’t a call to resolve the differences and just “hug it out.” This is, however, a call for anxious Christians to think differently, and not just about the ultimate ending, as great and glorious as that will be. Consider instead a concept that’s promoted by many sports teams. “Trust the process.” Essentially, that is what this psalm is saying.
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; 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; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself 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 righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! (Ps. 37:1–7)
Over the course of biblical history the Adversary repeatedly executes his evil designs through wicked leaders. While, over the centuries, the names and faces of leaders have changed, that tactic has not. It is vital that you pray for current and future Christian legislators, but you must also recognize God’s hand in the process.
Fret not yourself because of wicked politicians. The ones getting the airtime now will fade like a weed. Your job is to trust in God and continue to do good. In the face of their temporary time of power you can demonstrate the quality that lasts—faithfulness. Find your pleasure in God and experience His joy. Commit yourself to pleasing Him. He’s got this because He is a God of justice. They will not get anything past Him.
Instead of experiencing stress or anxiety when they are elected or appointed, be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him! You need to read that again. Be still and be patient! Do not become angry or bitter when an evil leader experiences earthly success. Want a great reason to be still and wait patiently? Consider how God reacts to their “victories.”
The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming. (Ps. 37:12–13)
The wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away. (Ps. 37:20)
If you played on a team that won an NBA championship, would it bother you that a crowd cheered when someone in high school dunked on you? Are you so worried that the enemy appears to be “ahead” for the moment that you question God’s plan, His sovereignty or His power? Is it not enough that you know He will decisively win the game, or do you fret when you’re not “in the lead” at all times? It’s all in hand. Trust the Lord, do good and be faithful. Be still. Be patient. Trust the process.