Don't Worry about the Evil People: One Year Bible Reading for February 18

Today we read from the One Year Bible in the following passages:

Leviticus 6:1-7:27
Mark 3:7-30
Psalm 37:1-11
Proverbs 10:3-4

And let's look at the Psalm. Now, first let's talk about the picture above. Delight yourself in God, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Most of us like to think of this as "If we please God by not sinning, He'll give us what we want." And there is SOME truth to that, but there's so much more to it. If we DELIGHT ourselves in HIM... in other words, if He is what makes us happiest in the world... then He will give us what we desire - which is Himself! But it ALSO means that if we are intent on following Him and making Him happy, He will give us THE DESIRES themselves. He will cause us to WANT to do the things that make Him happy - and what makes Him happy is what brings us the deepest fulfillment and meaning in our lives. That might not mean a million dollars, a Ferrari, and a new mansion in Beverly Hills. It might mean working hard and not being appreciated for it. But it means doing good work that we find purpose in, and helping people who need it. Storing up treasures in heaven - other people!

But let's look at the first verse. Don't worry about evil people who are prospering. There are lots of evil people in the world right now who are becoming billionaires. People who are exploiting the poor and literally using those who are less well-off to line their pockets. You may be thinking Democrats. You're right. You may be thinking Republicans. You're right! Lots of bad people in both political parties are getting richer and richer while poor people suffer. But don't worry - their time is short. While those who delight themselves in God will have rewards that last forever.

God, thanks for teaching us to delight ourselves in You and not worry about evil doers.