Through the inspired pen of King David, Psalm 37 provides eight great principles that will bless our lives if we would humbly let them be our guide:
1. Do not fret because of evildoers (1-2)
The truth is, wicked people will prosper in this life. This should not cause us to worry or, as this word suggests, to have heartburn! The end of the wicked will come quickly and will not be pleasant (Matthew 25:41,46).
2. Trust in the Lord and do good (3)
Faith is the cure for fretting! God has never given us a reason not to trust Him – He is faithful and will never let you down. Jesus had a faith like no other and simply went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Our lives will be blessed by following His example.
3. Delight in the Lord (4)
We must go from fret, to trust, to ultimately finding our greatest delight in the Lord! Jesus found His delight in doing the will of His Father (Hebrews 10:7).
4. Commit your life to God (5-6)
What are you committed to? Better yet, WHO are you committed to? With Jesus as our life (Colossians 3:4), our lives will be blessed!
5. Rest in the Lord (7)
This means that we understand that God is never going to be late with His timing. His time is not our time and we must find patience with His timetable (2 Peter 3:8).
6. Do not be angry with God (8-26)
This is the longest section of the Psalm with so many great points for your individual study. The principle stated in verse 8 is that we should never be angry with God because someone might have more possessions or seemingly greater blessings. The Psalmist points out, once again, the end of the wicked verses the end of the righteous. There is a bigger picture to keep in mind!
7. Depart from evil and do good (27-33)
Do you want the blessed life? Leave sin behind you! Get out of Sodom and never look back!
8. Hope (wait) on the Lord (34-40)
The righteous will see salvation! God is our strength and His protection is offered to His faithful. The righteous life is not promised to be the easiest life, but it is the blessed life!
— Adam Orr