“But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace.” Psalms 37:11 (ESV)
Earlier in this Psalm, the psalmist was encouraging readers not to fret over wrongdoers because they “will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb” (v. 2). Instead, if we are patient, God will bless the righteous. It is not the violent or selfish who will eventually inherit the earth, but rather the meek, those who “trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness” (v. 3).
This reminds us of Jesus’ words “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:4, ESV). He was saying that when God’s kingdom is fulfilled, the peaceful ones who followed God will rule over the earth; this is the promise of the kingdom of God. Thus, the promise of this Psalm will be fulfilled.
We do not need to be discouraged or distressed over the success of ungodly people. We will suffer a little while as they populate our neighborhoods, our businesses, politics, media, sports, the arts, and even some of our congregations. But one day that will all end, and we will inherit the earth. In the meantime, we pray for their salvation.
God has promised us a New Earth with a new Garden of Eden after Jesus returns. All the pain and injustice of this world will be done. How often do you think about this?
