Psalms 37-41: Trust in the Lord

Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. - Ps. 37:1-6 NIV

Do not fret.  Do not be envious. Trust in the Lord. Do good.
Delight yourself in the Lord.  Commit your way to the Lord.

This all sounds well and good, but when we are called upon to do it, when the threats of evil men come upon us, it is often the last thing we think of doing.  Fighting back usually occupies a central place in our response..  Was that David's response when he was being chased without mercy by his best friends father.  When he was hiding in the caves was he thinking of getting even with Saul, of going after him with his small but faithful band of loyal soldiers.  Did he wish that he was sitting in Saul's palace instead of in a dark, dank cave.  No, David knew what many of us are prone to forget.

I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,
but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found. - Ps. 37:35-36 NIV

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."  - Ps. 40:6-8

It's easy to forget that God is not looking for someone to fight his battles; to take on the evil men all around.  He's looking for those who trust, who delight in him, who desire to do his will, who have written his law in their hearts.