Who Is In Control?

A guest post by Chad Ramsey.

Photo by Nofi Sofyan Hadi on Unsplash

A simple glance around the world today reveals many who do not live according to God’s plan.

When we consider the prevalence of wickedness, it is easy to become discouraged. But though it may seem the wicked control the world in which we live, we must not forget God is actually in control. This very thought is found in Psalm 37.

Let’s notice two significant points from this passage.

The righteous must not fret over evildoers.

David began this psalm by writing:

“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb” (Psalm 37:1-2).

With those words, David reminds us that though the wicked may prosper for a time, they will eventually receive their just reward. While it may seem as if the ungodly are in control, God’s power is not diminished by man’s wickedness.

The righteous must express their confidence in God.

Interestingly, the psalmist describes four ways in which this occurs.

First, the righteous must “trust in the Lord” (Psalm 37:3). Trusting God will result in obeying Him and being satisfied by the care that He provides.

Second, the righteous must “delight…in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4). Our hearts should be thrilled to know He will eventually cause all things to “work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Third, the righteous must “commit…to the Lord” (Psalm 37:5). Those who commit to God believe He will bring to pass what He has promised.

And finally, the righteous must “rest in the Lord” (Psalm 37:7). The kind of rest David describes is only available to those who “wait patiently for Him.”

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Why should we not fret over those who do evil? We should not fret because God is in control (Romans 12:19)!

Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.