How can we support others facing "the schemes of the wicked"? Setting the Scene: Psalm 37:7 “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Recognizing the Reality of Wicked Schemes • Scripture treats the plotting of the wicked as an observable fact, not a hypothetical. • Their plans appear to prosper for a season, tempting believers toward anxiety. • God’s word immediately answers that temptation with two commands: “Be still” and “wait patiently,” placing confidence in the LORD’s timing rather than visible circumstances. Ways to Support Others Facing Wicked Schemes 1. • Point them to God’s sovereignty ‑ Psalm 37:13: “The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.” ‑ Affirm that no scheme escapes God’s notice; He sets limits the wicked cannot cross. 2. • Encourage a posture of stillness and patience ‑ Isaiah 30:15: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” ‑ Help friends slow down, breathe, and resist impulsive reactions that play into the adversary’s hand. 3. • Carry their burden tangibly ‑ Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” ‑ Practical help—meals, childcare, administrative assistance—shows the reality of Christ’s love. 4. • Speak Scripture into their situation ‑ Reading aloud or texting verses like 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (“the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one”) anchors hearts in truth and counters fear-laden narratives. 5. • Pray the Word over them ‑ Ephesians 6:12-18 turns prayer into active warfare. ‑ Insert their name into passages such as Psalm 140:8: “Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not let their plans succeed …” 6. • Model righteous response ‑ Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” ‑ Choosing forgiveness, integrity, and blessing in your own conflicts sets a living example. Encouraging Words from Elsewhere in Scripture • Psalm 37:17-18: “The arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.” • Proverbs 21:30: “No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can prevail against the LORD.” • 1 Peter 5:10: “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace … will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” A Closing Word of Hope The schemes of the wicked are real, but temporary. God’s faithfulness is eternal. By standing beside others—reminding them of the Lord’s rule, sharing their load, praying the promises, and embodying Christlike goodness—we become living proofs that “the righteous are preserved forever” (Psalm 37:28). |
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