Psalms 35–37

By Guest Writer

Scripture Reading: Psalm 35:1-28, Psalm 36:1-12, Psalm 37:1-40

I want the words of Psalm 37 to be true.

Let me soothe any fear you may have just felt while reading that sentence and say I do know that God’s Word is infallible, completely inspired by Him, and useful for teaching and correction (2Timothy 3:16).

But I’m sure you know as well as I do that some of the words in Psalm 37 sound too good to be true. In fact, my community and I have had many a life experience try to tell us that verses like, “They will not be disgraced in times of adversity” (Psalm 37:19), or even “They are kept safe forever” (v.28) are more noble anecdotes than reliable truths.

With that very real tension in mind, here’s how I’m choosing to read Psalm 37 today with authenticity and faith.

I will choose to see God’s heart revealed through Scripture. When I read Psalm 37 with a cynical headspace, I can’t help but see all the ways God has failed to deliver on what He’s promising. But I think we all know by now that’s not the best approach to Scripture! So where do I see more of who God is in Psalm 37? Well, God continually describes Himself as a watchful provider. The Lord watches, He supports, He is always generous. In these verses, I see God looking for ways to bless the faithful and stop the wicked.

I will look to see evidence of God’s design at work around me. Whether it’s the sneaky trick of the enemy or just my own prone-to-wander heart, I can very easily dig up file after file of all the things going wrong.

But there’s always more than meets the eye. A family member’s confession of sin is painful, and it proves that my prayers for repentance have been answered. A friend’s ongoing job search is getting weary, and there have been many unexpected provisions to help sustain them. So while I have certainly “seen a wicked, violent person well-rooted, like a flourishing native tree…” (v.35), Psalm 37 shows me how to find balance because, “Then I passed by and noticed he was gone; I searched for him, but he could not be found” (v.36).

I will evaluate how I can co-labor with Christ in these truths. When I feel the most disconnected from the hope of Scripture, I try to ask myself how God may be trying to work through me to make these truths a reality in my little corner of the world. I mean, “Do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way” (v.7) is definitely a full-time job for my self-control! But truly, waiting for the Lord and keeping His way (v.34) is the most difficult, unrelenting, and important work of a Christ follower.

Faithful ones, the Lord will not abandon you (v.28). How are you reading these psalms with authenticity and faith today?

Written by Kayla De La Torre