Here is some great advice for God's people during those times when it seems as though the wicked are getting the upper hand over the godly. I love how this translation says, "do not get upset" when the wicked successfully carry out their wicked schemes. Whether someone is mistreating us or our loved ones - and they seem to be getting away with it - or evil people are prevailing in our societies, it's extremely easy for us to get upset, or even to "fret, whine or agonize" over it. (AMP) It's just human nature to react negatively to these negative things.

But if you look carefully at the very beginning of this verse, it tells us how God would have us respond to the apparent success of the wicked: "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him." In other words, God wants us to put our trust in Him in a way that will enable us to enter His "rest." And He wants us to wait "patiently" for Him - not fretfully, worriedly, or angrily. Why? Because doubting God always robs us of His best.

The Passion Translation of Psalm 37:7 says: "Quiet your heart in His presence and wait patiently for Yahweh. And don't think for a moment that the wicked, in their prosperity, are better off than you." Notes for this translation say: "The root word of the word for 'wait' can mean 'to whirl' or 'to be in labor [give birth].' We may feel like we're being whirled around by our circumstances, but in the end, our season of waiting gives birth to greater things." Hallelujah!

You may be in your own season of waiting right now. The Lord is telling you that if you will rest in Him, and wait patiently for Him to act on your behalf, He will cause your season of waiting to give birth to greater things in your life. So don't despair. God sees what you are going through. He is aware of every tear and fear. So be encouraged and begin thanking God right now that your rescue and reward are on the way!

Prayer: Lord, when someone mistreats me or my loved ones, help me to resist becoming angry, vindictive, or fretful. Instead, help me to turn to You for Your perspective of the situation, and enable me to respond in a Christlike manner. Remind me often that You want to be my Vindicator, and to right my wrongs. Thank You that as I rest in You and wait patiently for You to act on my behalf, my season of waiting will give birth to greater things!