This desert world sucks us dry if we sink our roots in here. But “the river of God is full of water” (Ps 65:9).
We noticed that the first section of Psalm 37 concludes with a divine promise: “But the meek shall inherit the earth” (v 11), and that the second section (vv 12-22) concludes the same way: “those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth” (v 22). Section 1 presents practical steps to keep us from distrusting the Lord or being disturbed by the success of the wicked and the suffering of God’s people. Section 2 reminds us of the personal stake God has in the outcome of all our stories. He’s writing the script, and always arranges happy endings for those who trust Him. Now Section 3 (vv 23-29) gives to us a third reason to “wait on the Lord” (vv 7, 34) in difficult times. Here the theme is our present security. God isn’t just waiting at journey’s end; He’s arranging our every step through this world’s minefield (v 23) and finds pleasure when we follow His lead. In addition, He provides a safety net for us, so that failure is not final. “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (v 24). He provides for our needs (v 25), shows mercy to us, and cares about our families (v 26). How safe we are! “For the Lord…does not forsake His saints” (v 28). Would it surprise us if the third section wraps up like the previous two? Here it is: “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever” (v 29). Now Section 4 (vv 30-40) describes the private secrets of God’s suffering saints. How can their speech be wise and their steps sure? “The law of his God is in his heart” (v 31). The wicked, like a “spreading…tree” (v 35), don’t have their roots by God’s river (Ps 1:3) and so perish. But we have this hidden resource: “He is their strength in the time of trouble…because they trust in Him” (Ps 37:39-40).