Psalm 37

Psalm 37

This psalm is an acrostic, having two verses for each letter except for one verse seven (ד), verse twenty (כ), and verse thirty-four (ק). Another oddity in this acrostic is the two times when the verse begins with the wrong letter where, ל taking the place of ע, and ו of ת. Again, this shows how difficult it is to create an acrostic that displays a singular topic. With that in mind, the chapter is difficult to outline but is contained in the first eight verses. The rest of the psalm is an expansion on these few verses. The formula for peace of mind from this psalm is to

  • neither fret nor envious (1)
  • but trust and do good (3)
  • then delight thyself also in the Lord (4)
  • commit your ways to God because you trust Him (5)
  • rest and wait patiently and don’t fret (7, Cf. Psalm 103 along with a written sermon on Forgiveness from Psalm 103)
  • cease from anger, forsake wrath, and don’t fret (8)

The word fret occurs three times in the first eight verses and is key to the psalm. The origin of the word fret means to “eat into, gnaw, corrode, or be eaten away, become corroded, decay” (Bridges, 1997). This is what worry does to us, it eats away all that is healthy until there is no longer health. This is why we are called to wait on the Lord, which is the cure for fretting or anxiety. If you read Paul’s admonition to the Christians at Philippi in Philippians 4.1-9, you will notice that he instructs them not to focus on that which eats away at them but to focus on that which builds them up and strengthens them.

Verses 21-22 describe what it means to be generous as the Lord is generous. Whether we have the funds we desire, we are called to give as the Lord gave us. With this attitude, we can be assured that God will care for us. If you desire more discussion on finances, post a request. What does verse twenty-one inform us concerning bankruptcy?

 

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Author: Pastor David

David R Williamson is the founder of Teach for God Ministries. He holds degrees from Grace Bible College, Grand Canyon University, Grace Theological Seminary, and Walden University. David has been actively involved in ministry since 1979. He has ministered in various ministries from Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, to English Pastor in Taiwanese churches, including teaching ten years at the Junior High school level. Currently, David is teaching at Hillcrest Christian School at the High School level. He is also pulpit supply and retreat speaker for churches and other religious organizations. He is happily married to Karen with three children: Joshua, Kazlyn, and Joseph

1 thought on “Psalm 37”

  1. It is so hard to not worry sometimes. To worry is to cause ourselves to suffer. God knows that worrying takes away our joy, and this is why He urges us to not worry and to trust Him. When we give our burdens over to Him, we should rest and find peace in knowing that He is in control of all and that He will work in our circumstances.

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