I Will Believe Now and in the Future - Psalm 37

 Adapted from Psalm 37

I will not fret because of those who are evil, for like green plants they will soon wither and die away.

I will trust in the Lord and do good, dwelling in God and his safety.

I will take delight in the Lord and he will give me the desires of my heart.

I will commit my way to the Lord.

I will trust him and he will make my righteous reward and my vindication shine like the dawning light that turns to midday sun.

I will be still and I will wait patiently for God.  

I will not fret when the wicked succeed in carrying out their wicked schemes.

I will refrain from anger and turn from wrath. 

I will not fret - it only leads to evil.

I will believe that evil people will be destroyed and I will hope in the Lord and inherit the land.

I will believe that in a little while the wicked will not be found because they are no more.

I will believe that those who humbly depend on the grace and goodness of God and are not arrogant toward others will inherit the land. 

I will believe - in the future and for my future - that I will enjoy peace and prosperity.

I will believe that the Lord laughs at the wicked who plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them because he knows the day of vengeance is coming. 

I will believe that when the wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy and slay the upright, their swords will pierce their own hearts and their bows will be broken.

I will believe the righteous are better with little than the wicked are with wealth. 

I will believe - now and in the future - that the power of the wicked will be broken.

I will believe - now and in the future - that the Lord my God, strong and mighty, invincible in battle, will uphold the righteous. 

I will believe the blamelsss will be under the Lord's care, will not wither in times of disaster, will enjoy plenty in days of famine, and forever will have their inheritance.

I will believe the Lord's enemies - as common as flowers in the field - will be consumed like in smoke and will perish.

I will believe those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed. 

I will believe the Lord firms up the steps of the ones who delight in him. They may stumble but will not fall because the Lord upholds them with his hand.

I will believe the righteous will never be forsaken or their children begging bread.

I will believe that when we turn from evil and do good we will dwell in the land - God's land - forever.  

I will believe that the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. 

I will believe wrongdoers will be completely destroyed and the offspring of the wicked will perish.  But the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

I will believe the mouths of the righteous speak wisdom and justice, because the law of their God is in their hearts. 

I will believe that although the wicked be in wait for the righteous, intent on destroying them, the Lord will not leave the righteous in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned. 

I will hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt me to inherit the land and I will see the flourishing wicked and ruthless people destroyed.

I will believe that the blameless and upright who seek peace will have a bright future, but sinners and the wicked will be destroyed and have no future.

I will believe the salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord, their stronghold in times of trouble. 

I will believe the Lord helps the righteous and delivers them from the wicked.  He saves them because they take refuge in him. 

God of Justice and Mercy,

Thank you for your righteousness and justice and that all you do is good.  Thank you for the promises that you will break the power of the wicked and uphold the righteous.  Thank you that you love the just and will not forsake your faithful people.  Strengthen our courage and our faith in these days of trial and strife.  For your children, be the protection and peace in the midst of the demonic storms that swirl around us.  But destroy the power of the enemy of our souls and destroy all those who will not turn from their wickedness, injustice, and evil. We pray in the strong name of Jesus Christ our Savior, AMEN and AMEN.