Psalm 37

In one of his most encouraging psalms, David acknowledges the apparent prosperity of wicked people. They seem to have everything going for them as they plot against the righteous, get away with wicked schemes and oppress the poor and needy. However, their end result is encapsulated in verse 22:

For such as are blessed of God shall [in the end] inherit the earth, but they that are cursed of Him shall be cut off. (Amplified Bible)

David has some advice for those who would be blessed by the Lord - the righteous and blameless - as follows:-

What not to do-

1. Fret because of evil doers (v 1)
   
2. Be envious of those who do wrong (v 1)
   
3. Be angry when schemers succeed. (v 8)
   

What to do-

1. Trust in the Lord and do good (v 3)
   
2. Delight in the Lord (v 4)
   
3. Commit your way to the Lord (v 5)
   
4. Be still, and wait patiently for the Lord (v 7)
   
5. Turn from evil and do good (v 27)
   
6. Wait for the Lord and keep His way (v34)
   
7. Consider the blameless and observe the righteous. (v 37)
   

As we consider the above, we realise David's counsel boils down to perspective. If we fixate on the events around us, it can only lead to: worry when things don't go our way or work out as they should; envy when those we think don't deserve success prosper; and anger at the situation, which in itself could only lead to more evil (v8).

Let us consider what we are to do to change our outlook on life. Our job, as we wait on God's providing hand, is to trust Him. The Amplified Bible defines trust in God as: leaning on, relying on, and being confident in His ability to do whatever we depend on Him for.

In addition to trusting God to help us, David suggests we delight ourselves in Him. The true believer, while acknowledging God's ability to provide for their needs, will love and honour God, not only for His blessings, but because He is Lord and Ruler of their lives. Jesus spoke similarly in Matthew 6:33:

...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Instead of concern about others' success and worry about our failures, we should enjoy God through time spent in His presence, in His word, and on doing His will. Romans 12:1-3 (The Message) takes us through the process: As we offer every detail of our lives to God (with His help), we are transformed from the inside out and our desires are merged with His, thereby accomplishing His good and perfect will.

1 John 5:14-15 puts it this way:

... we can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.

A study of David's life reveals that he was truly blessed throughout his days and for future generations, because of his love for God. In fact, the Bible refers to him as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). Delighting in God will turn us away from selfish, earthly pleasures, and yield our will to His as we fill our minds with His Word and obey His commands.

Next, the psalmist advises us to commit our way to the Lord. Whether you are starting a project, facing a trial, or just burdened, turn it over to the Lord. Allow the Lord who knows exactly what you need, and when you need it, to 'make your path straight' (Proverbs 3:5-6). From His vantage point as the Beginning and End, God knows where your blessings lie, and how to get you there from wherever you are right now. Instead of being anxious, David advises you to rest in the Lord, and wait quietly and hopefully for Him.

God is working everything out for your good; and while He may appear to be taking His time, His ultimate plan is to give you a hope and a future. As you wait patiently for the answers to your prayers, remember that He has never failed.

He's not about to begin with you.

Psalm 37 Full Reading