Psalm 37

Introduction

Psalm 37 is one of my favorite Psalms. It is known as a wisdom Psalm. Unlike most other Psalms which are expressions of our cries or prayers to God, Psalm 37 is God speaking to us through David. It reads much like Proverbs. For that reason it is considered a wisdom Psalm. I read this Psalm regularly particularly when I start to fret (worry - burn up inside) over something that has happened. As I read it and pray through it I start to see a different perspective to whatever the situation that is troubling me is. If you were to go to a doctor and her diagnosis was that you were fretting the doctor would prescribe reading Psalm 37 three times per day until the symptoms of fretting go away. Fretting is a real danger to not only our spiritual life but also our physical well being. It will literally eat us up.

Organization

Psalm 37 like many Psalms has a flow or progression to it. It starts with a situation or strong emotion (fretting) secondly it re-frames the situation in terms of God's perspective and this then results in a resolution of the original problem (fretting). The Psalm are helpful to re-frame our thoughts or experiences. This means we are challenged to look at a situation from a different perspective. In Psalm 37 we are challenged to take the long view - God's view. Verse two is especially key since it reminds us that people and circumstances are not permanent. The Psalm also reminds us that God will judge the wicked in his time. In view of this we are called to trust. Trust that God is in control, trust that He knows best and trust that whether we understand or not we know His plan is working itself out. We are called to wait patiently a key component of trusting in God. The Psalm makes the same point in 2 parts. The first part verses 1-11 and the second part verse 12-end both make the same point with slight variations. Each part could be read separately and you would get the same message. Psalm 37 starts with fretting and ends with peace.

New Testament 

Psalm 37 could very easily be a discussion or explanation of Matthew chapter 5 verse 5 - Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth (see verse 11 of Psalm 37). A good definition of a meek person is one who chooses the way of patient faith not self assertion. It is one who trust in the Lord and is content whatever the situation.

Helpful Hints for Further Study

An interesting study would be to take verses 3-8 and write out each one of the commands (what we are told to do) and study what each one would mean in your life. Some good verses to memorize would be verses 1-2; 4; 7; 16; 28. Why not pick one to memorize this week.

Conclusion

How wonderful it is when we can surrender those things that cause us to fret and rest in simple trust in God. This is God's message to us in Psalm 37.