SCRIPTURE: PSALM 37
MEMORY VERSES:
“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.” (Psalm 37:1-2)
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” (Psalm 37:3)
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” (Psalms 37:5-6)
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7)
COUNSEL OF DAVID:
- Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. (v. 3)
- Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. (v. 4)
- Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him. (v. 5)
- Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. (v. 7)
- Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil. (v. 8)
- Turn from evil and do good. (v.27)
- Wait for the Lord and keep his way. (v. 34)
CONSEQUENCES OF THE WICKED:
- They will be like grass and wither soon, like green plants they will soon die away. (v. 2)
- They will be cut off. (v. 9)
- They will be no more. (v. 10)
- Their swords pierce their own hearts and their bows will be broken. (v. 15)
- Their power will be broken. (v. 17)
- They will perish and vanish like smoke. (v. 20)
- They will be cursed and cut off. (v. 22)
- They will soon pass away and were no more. (v. 36)
- They will all be destroyed and their future will be cut off. (v. 38)
BLESSINGS OF THE RIGHTEOUS:
- They will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. (v. 11)
- Their inheritance will endure forever. (v. 18)
- They will not wither in times of disaster and they will enjoy plenty in days of famine. (v. 19)
- They will inherit the land. (v. 22)
- The Lord will make his step firm and uphold them with his hands. (v. 24)
- They will never be forsaken. (v. 25)
- Their children will be blessed. (v. 26)
- They will be protected forever. (v. 28)
- They will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. (v. 29)
- Their feet do not slip. (v./ 30)
- They will the wicked being cut off. (v. 34)
- There is future for the man of peace. (v. 37)
- God is their stronghold in times of trouble. (v. 39)
- The Lord will deliver them from the wicked and saves them. (v. 40)
THOUGHTS:
WISE COUNSELS FOR US TO FOLLOW:
- Trust in the Lord – Walk by faith not by sight.
- Delight in the Lord – Know God better in order to experience great pleasure and joy in his presence.
- Commit your way to the Lord. – Entrust everything – life, families, job, possessions – to His control and guidance.
- Rest in the Lord – Complete trust will enable you to enjoy the peace of God.
- Wait on the Lord – Wait patiently for Him to work out what is best for you.
Do not envy evil people even though they are popular or wealthy. No matter how much they have, it will fade and vanish like grass that withers and dies. Those who follow God and live in righteousness will have treasures in heaven that will last forever.
God wants us to be gentle and lowly in dealing with enemies. We must have calm faith and humility before God and hope in his deliverance.
The way a person handles his money can make a distinction between a wicked person and righteous person. The wicked person borrows and do not repay while the righteous gives generously to the needy. The wicked person focuses on himself while the righteous looks to the welfare of others.
Waiting patiently is very difficult especially when it is urgent. Before we can wait patiently, we have to humble ourselves and submit to His timing before God will lift us up (1 Peter 5:6) Allow God to choose the best time to change your circumstances.