The wisdom of psalm 37 is to adopt a long-run rather than a short-run perspective on life by embracing Gods purposes and ordering all of our affairs (e.g., family, work, leisure, finances, ministry) in light of them. On the negative side, the proverbs in this wisdom poem exhort us not to fret, be envious, angry, or anxious when evildoers get the upper hand. On the positive side, they tell us what we should do to sustain the proper attitudes and actions in life. Four of these positive commands involve our relationship with the Lord: 1. Trust in the Lord (vv. 3, 5). “While the wicked trust in themselves, the righteous are called to put their confidence and hope in the character and promises of the Lord. If we would be wise, we must cling to the goodness and sovereignty of the “One who causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).” 2. Delight yourself in the Lord (v. 4). Let the nearness of God be your good (Ps. 73:28) and cultivate intimacy with Him. This cannot be done apart from the discipline of regular time with the Lord in the Word and prayer, but I have never heard anyone regret making this investment. When we seek Him first, He gives us the desires of our heart because our desires become conformed to His. 3. Commit your way to the Lord (v. 5) Unreservedly give all your plans, your dreams, your hopes, and your desires to the Lord (cf. Prov. 16:3). The only things that will really be yours are the things you have freely given to God. In the long run, you will be unable to keep the things you have held back from Christ (Luke 9:23-24). 4. Be still and wait for the Lord (vv. 7, 9, 34). Gods timing is almost never our own, and because of this, we grow impatient, anxious, and frustrated with the adversities of life. But if we trust His character, we must also trust His timing. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:6-7). ~ Dr. Boa
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 22:43:50 +0000
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