Psalm 37 is filled with encouraging, uplifting directives. However, do we read them as beautiful words, "songs" or poems only? OR are the words to be taken literally? I like to list things. Sometimes it gives a broader, clear picture of how to act and react. Lets do this with this chapter.
- Fret not...
- ...neither be envious - are given in the first verse. It is a clear charge regarding those that would do harm in one way or another to believers.
- Then we are given notice to trust
- Delight and
- Commit in verses 3-5. The Psalmist opens with what not to do, then gives clear notice of what TO DO! He says we will be fed, given the desires of our heart and see His will brought to pass. A little further and we read to
- rest
- wait patiently
- and cease from anger. It would seem that all this patient waiting would cause one to get agitated, even "angry." But the message is clear, cease from anger. How? Because we understand that
- evildoers shall be cut off. It is also clearly noted in Pro 29.1-3 that there is no remedy for those who would hardeneth his neck against the Lord and His people. What is the result for believers? He will inherit the earth. Verse 13 even states that the Lord shall laugh at him (the wicked) for He seeth his day is coming
We are reassured in many ways with beautiful words and particularly verse 20 that the wicked shall perish. The crown of this chapter may be found in verse 23:
There is much more to Psalm 37 and maybe we will explore that later. However, the meditation of the reader's heart is this; Is your way, His way when the trials, hardships and sorrows come to you? The Psalmist also rightly said in chapter 23 that we walk through the valley(s). A preacher from "across the big pond" recently noted that the Psalmist said through the valley. God doesn't leave you in your trying circumstance(s). Job told us that Man that is born of woman is few days and full of trouble. (Job 14.1) You understand "that's life." Then, the Lord Jesus, Himself gave us these words in John 14.18, I WILL NOT leave you comfortless. Many other verses to encourage and aid along this journey but today the key is in the scripture photo above. If you belong to Him, you can trust He has actually ordered these things come your way but has given you a way of escape. (I Cor 10.13)
God bless and keep you is our prayer as you patiently walk in His way...
