Psalm 37 invites us to adopt a long-run perspective on life by embracing God’s purposes and ordering all of our affairs (e.g., family, work, leisure, finances, ministry) in light of them.
There are four positive commands in this psalm that involve our relationship with the Lord:
- Trust
- Delight
- Commit
- Wait
1. TRUST in the Lord.
Put your confidence and hope in the character and promises of the Lord (see also Romans 8:28).
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. … Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:3, 5)
2. DELIGHT yourself in the Lord.
Let the nearness of God be your good (Psalm 73:28), and cultivate intimacy with the Lord through regular time in his Word and in prayer.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
3. COMMIT your ways to the Lord.
Unreservedly give all your plans, dreams, hopes, and desires to the Lord.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him, and he will do it.” (Psalm 37:5)
4. BE STILL AND WAIT for the Lord.
If we trust his character, we must also trust his timing (see also 1 Peter 5:6–7).
“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. … For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land. … Wait for the Lord and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.” (Psalm 37:7, 9, 34)
For more ways to meditate on God’s truths throughout the day, download Dr. Boa’s “Living with an Eternal Perspective”
