Do Not Complain!

“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm” (Psalm 37:1, 7, 8).

Yesterday, during the Friday morning prayer service, while meditating on Psalm 33:11 under the title "Even if it doesn't go according to my plan," I had this thought: ‘The reason I feel dissatisfied in my heart is because I don't fully trust God.’ When things don't go according to my plan, and when they continue to go wrong, I wonder why I become discouraged, angry, and even despondent. Upon reflection, I realized that the reason for my frustrations is that I don't fully trust in the God whom I claim to believe in and rely upon. Holding this thought in my mind, I began reading Psalm 37:1-41 last night and this morning. I was drawn to the repeated phrase “Do not fret” in verses 1, 7, and 8. Why does the psalmist David declare to his soul three times, “Do not fret”? This led me to meditate on why David would pray to God in this way. After proclaiming the Word of God during today's Saturday morning service from Psalm 37:1-11, I sat down in the pastoral office, continued to meditate, and began writing down my thoughts. I have titled this reflection, “Do Not Complain!”

In today’s passage, Psalm 37:1 and 7-8, we are told three times to not complain. In other words, the Bible teaches us not to be envious of the prosperity of the wicked (v. 7) or of those who do wrong (v. 1). As I meditated on these verses, I was reminded of Psalm 73. The reason for this is because several years ago, before an elder passed away, I was asked the question: “Why do the righteous suffer, while the wicked prosper?” After receiving this question, God led me to meditate on Psalm 73, which provided the answer to that question. Thus, whenever I meditate on the theme of “the prosperity of the wicked,” Psalm 73 always comes to mind. In that passage, the psalmist Asaph also became envious of the arrogant when he saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:1). The wicked were free from the pain of death, their bodies were healthy (v. 4), and they didn’t suffer the burdens of trouble and disaster (v. 5). They were not only well-fed, but their wealth far exceeded their hearts' desires (v. 7). When Asaph saw all of this, he became envious of them and almost stumbled (v. 2). In particular, when he saw that the wicked lived in peace and their wealth increased (v. 12), he said, “Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocence” (v. 13). When we see the righteous suffering while the wicked prosper, as Christians, it is entirely possible for us to become envious of the wicked, just as Asaph and David did. Not only can we envy them, but we can also become angry when we see the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 37:8). Furthermore, we can fall into dissatisfaction and complain (vv. 1, 7, 8). However, in the passage today, Psalm 37:1, 7, and 8, the Bible clearly tells us three times to not complain. Why? Because complaining only leads to evil (v. 8). In other words, if we complain in dissatisfaction after seeing the prosperity of the wicked and becoming envious, we will fall into sin, which is why we must not complain.

Moreover, we are told not to complain when we see the prosperity of the wicked because they will soon be cut off (Psalm 37:2, 36) (vv. 9, 22, 28, 34, 38). How soon will they be cut off? Just as green grass fades quickly (v. 2), so will the wicked be cut off swiftly. In Psalm 73, Asaph realized this truth when he entered the sanctuary of God (v. 17). What did he realize? The end of the wicked (v. 17). What is the end of the wicked? Destruction (v. 18). Their end will be sudden (v. 19). Just as a dream is despised when someone wakes up, after God awakens, He will despise the wicked (v. 20).

Dear friends, those who do evil will surely be cut off (Psalm 37:9). Those who are cursed by the Lord will certainly be cut off, and their descendants will also be cut off (v. 22). Additionally, the future of those sinners will be cut off (v. 38). We will clearly see that the wicked will be cut off (v. 34). Therefore, we should not complain or envy when we see the prosperity of the wicked. If we are not to complain, what should we do instead? First, we must trust in God (v. 3). We must also delight in God's faithfulness (v. 3). Moreover, we must rejoice in the Lord (v. 4). When we do this, God will fulfill the desires of our hearts (v. 4). We must commit our way to the Lord (v. 5). When we trust in Him, He will act (v. 5). We must be still before the Lord, patiently waiting (v. 7). The reason is that we are those who hope in the Lord (v. 9). We must also be meek (v. 11) and blameless (v. 37). When we do so, we will inherit God's eternal kingdom and rejoice with abundant peace (v. 11, cf. v. 37).

With a desire not to live in disobedience to God's word through complaints and dissatisfaction,

Pastor James Kim
(I long to trust in the Lord alone, to be satisfied with Him alone, and to live in gratitude in all things, praying again to God the Father)