“The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.”
(Psalm 37:13)
The prosperity of the wicked has long troubled the hearts of God’s people. When we see those who oppose Him appear secure, successful, and unshaken, it can seem as though righteousness is forgotten and justice delayed. Yet this verse tells us that while the wicked plot and boast, God laughs—not out of amusement, but out of sovereign certainty. He sees their end. Their day is coming.[1]
God is not ignorant of the schemes of the wicked. He sees every snare laid, every deceitful plan, every proud imagination. Nothing escapes His notice. Yet He is not threatened, and His plans and purposes are not thwarted. The reason is simple: He knows the appointed end of all things. The wicked may believe they are secure, but their security is an illusion.
We need to be reminded of this truth when we see the wicked prosper and are tempted to think that God favors them, or at least that He does not oppose them. Scripture declares that their present ease is not approval, but preparation. They are being reserved for a day of reckoning and no amount of resources will be able to deliver them when that day comes.
Moreover, the same wisdom that sees the end of the wicked governs the safety of the righteous. God not only knows what will come, but orders all things according to His purpose. He is never surprised, never outmaneuvered, never overcome. His wisdom is greater than the craft of men, and His counsel stands above all their devices.
The world is full of snares. There are dangers that cannot be seen, plots that cannot be anticipated, and circumstances that cannot be controlled. No amount of human foresight can uncover every trap. But what cannot be seen by man is fully known to God. He sees every hidden danger, and He watches over His people with constant care.
This is why we must remember to walk by faith, to rest in His wisdom rather than in our own understanding, and to live in obedience and leave the outcome to Him. God does not call us to manage every threat, but to trust Him who governs all things. For He is a wise God for a foolish people, a watchful guardian for those who cannot guard themselves.
Therefore, when the wicked seem invincible and threats seem real, we must look to God, trust in His wisdom, and rest in His care. He sees the end of all things, justice will be done, and He will bring His people safely through.
Contemplations:
- Protection from Hidden Snares. Lord, I do not see the dangers that surround me. There are snares laid in secret, temptations that arise suddenly, and paths that appear safe but lead to harm. I ask that You keep me from the traps set before me, both spiritual and temporal. Guide my steps, restrain my inclinations, and do not allow me to wander into danger through my own ignorance or carelessness. Preserve me by Your wisdom.
- God’s Wisdom Above My Own. Father, I often lean on my own understanding. I try to foresee outcomes, manage circumstances, and secure my own safety. Yet my wisdom is limited and often faulty. Teach me to trust in Your wisdom instead, which sees the end from the beginning. Help me rest in Your counsel, even when I do not understand Your ways, and to believe that You are ordering all things for my good.
- Steadfastness When the Wicked Prosper. Lord, when I see the wicked prosper, I am tempted to be discouraged or unsettled. I ask that You fix my eyes on the truth of Your Word. Remind me that their day is coming, and that their present state is not their final state. Keep me from envying them or fearing them, and establish my heart in the assurance that You are just and that You will make all things right in Your time.
- Continual Dependence on God’s Providence. Father, I desire to live in constant dependence upon You. Teach me to look to You not only in times of great trouble, but in every moment. Keep me from self-reliance, and help me walk by faith, committing every concern, every fear, and every need into Your hands.
Prayer (Supplication)
Wise and sovereign God, I come before You acknowledging my weakness and my need for Your constant care. You see all things clearly, while I see only in part. You know every danger, every snare, and every hidden threat. I ask that You keep me safe by Your power, both in my soul and in my life.
Lord, I am prone to trust in myself. I rely on my own thoughts, my own plans, and my own efforts. Forgive me for this self-reliance, which dishonors You and puts me in danger. Teach me to trust in You with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding.
I ask that You keep me from the snares laid by the wicked. Preserve me from deceit, from temptation, and from the subtle devices that draw me away from You. If I am near danger, turn my path. If I am in danger, deliver me. Do not let my weakness lead to my ruin, but let Your strength protect me instead.
Lord, when I see the wicked prosper, guard my heart from discouragement. Remind me that You see their end, and that their day is coming. Establish me in the truth that You are just and that all things are under Your control.
Grant me a steady and quiet trust in Your providence. Help me walk honestly before You, leaving all outcomes in Your hands. Be my refuge, my defense, and my guide in all things.
Keep my eyes fixed on You. Let me look to You for direction, for protection, and for strength. And help me depend on You continually, seek You earnestly, and rest in Your faithful care.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Ps. 37:13:
Psalm 2:4; Prov. 1:26; 1 Sam. 26:10; Psalm 59:8
[1] Joseph Alleine, An Alarm to Unconverted Sinners, (London: E.T. and R.H. and are to be sold by Nevil Simmons .., 1672), 116–117.
