Psalm 37 reminds me of a recent trip to my childhood home. All of my old neighbors are gone and all of my playmates have moved on in life, what was once new is now rusted. In our mind nothing changes, but in reality everything is different. This psalm of David begins, “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away“. So many of the things we fret about today do not last. David is apparently looking back at his life, noting the one thing that does not change, “Trust in the Lord and do good… Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart“. That shiny new bike or that shiny new car will not remain new, but in contrast, “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn“. David explains our part in this extended warrantee program, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him“. Most of us would rather be actively working to help God out. We feel like we have to put in some spiritual sweat equity, but David says, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret it leads only to evil“. Waiting and refraining are two things we have the hardest time doing. Here David provides some perspective about time, “A little while, and the wicked will be no more“. Many of us think we can fight against God, but David says, “Their swords will pierce their own hearts“. How much damage have you done to yourself by fighting against God? Sometimes these self-inflicted wounds make us rethink our plan.
As David discusses these two groups, we see that the difference is attitude. “The days of the blameless are known to the Lord… In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty… the righteous give generously… though he stumble, he will not fall… their inheritance will endure forever“. Those that disregard God and His standards are dissatisfied, trust no one and give little. Those that are completely self-focused are often the most miserable. Please understand that our attitude is not set in stone. There is hope for even the most miserable among us.
As the psalm ends, David does not leave it to the reader to figure it out for themselves, he gives critical information to anyone desiring to know God’s mercy. He has seen these things for himself, “I was young and now I am old“. He says plainly, “Turn from evil and do good… The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just“. Some will ask how do I know what is evil and what is good? His answer is brief, “The law of his God is in his heart“. This means our source for determining good and evil is God’s Word, and more importantly, we take it to heart. It is not enough to just have head-knowledge of God’s Word; we must apply it to our heart and live it out in our actions. We should not be fooled by temporary situations, “I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing… but he soon passed away and was no more“. Instead he adds, “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace“. “Wait for the Lord and keep His way. He will exalt you“. He concludes by emphasizing this point, “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord“. Good behavior is a byproduct of receiving God’s promise. David concludes, “The Lord… delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him“. 1 Timothy 1:16 explains my understanding perfectly. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life“. Maybe it’s time to let go of the rusty stuff from the past?