Psalm 37 is the Psalm that speaks about committing your way to the Lord. This Psalm, attributed to David, is a profound piece of wisdom literature that encourages believers to trust in God and live righteously despite the apparent success of the wicked. It offers a beautiful tapestry of divine promises and practical advice, urging the faithful to commit their ways to the Lord.
Psalm 37:5 states, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this." This verse encapsulates the essence of the Psalm's message, which is one of trust, patience, and ultimate dependence on God's faithfulness and justice.
The Hebrew word translated as "commit" in this verse is "galal," which literally means "to roll." The imagery here is vivid: it is as if we are to roll our burdens, plans, and concerns onto the Lord, entrusting them entirely to His care. This act of committing is not a one-time event but a continual process of surrendering our will and desires to God's sovereign plan.
Psalm 37 begins with a contrast between the righteous and the wicked, urging believers not to fret over evildoers or envy those who do wrong. Instead, it calls for a life of trust and delight in the Lord:
"Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:1-4, NIV)
These opening verses set the tone for the entire Psalm, emphasizing that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and that the righteous will ultimately be vindicated. The call to "trust in the LORD and do good" is a recurring theme, encouraging believers to focus on their relationship with God and righteous living rather than the fleeting success of the wicked.
In verse 5, the Psalmist moves from general advice to a specific exhortation: "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this." The promise that follows is profound: God will act on behalf of those who commit their way to Him. This assurance is echoed in verse 6, which says, "He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun." The imagery of light breaking through darkness symbolizes the clarity and justice that God will bring to the lives of those who trust in Him.
The concept of committing one's way to the Lord is further elaborated in the following verses, which emphasize patience and trust in God's timing:
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land." (Psalm 37:7-9, NIV)
Here, the Psalmist addresses the natural human tendency to become anxious or angry when we see the wicked prospering. Instead, we are called to be still and wait patiently for the Lord, trusting that His justice will prevail in due time. This patience is not passive resignation but an active trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
The Psalm continues to contrast the fate of the wicked with the blessings of the righteous. Verses 10-11 declare:
"A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity."
This promise echoes the Beatitudes in the New Testament, where Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5, NIV). The meek, those who humbly commit their way to the Lord and trust in His justice, will ultimately enjoy peace and prosperity.
Psalm 37 also provides practical advice for living a committed life. Verses 23-24 say:
"The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand."
This assurance that God will uphold those who delight in Him is a source of great comfort. It acknowledges that while the righteous may face difficulties and challenges, they will not be utterly cast down because the Lord is their support.
The Psalmist also speaks to the long-term perspective of God's faithfulness. In verses 25-26, David reflects on his own life experience:
"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing."
This testimony reinforces the idea that those who commit their way to the Lord and live righteously will experience God's provision and blessing, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of their descendants.
The Psalm concludes with a reaffirmation of God's justice and the ultimate fate of the wicked versus the righteous:
"The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him." (Psalm 37:39-40, NIV)
This final declaration encapsulates the central theme of the Psalm: the Lord is the source of salvation and strength for the righteous. Those who commit their way to Him, trust in His justice, and take refuge in His protection will be delivered from the schemes of the wicked.
In summary, Psalm 37 offers a rich and comprehensive guide for living a life committed to the Lord. It addresses the challenges of witnessing the apparent success of the wicked and provides a framework for trusting in God's ultimate justice and provision. By committing our way to the Lord, trusting in His timing, and living righteously, we align ourselves with His divine plan and experience the peace and prosperity that come from a life rooted in faith.
