Psalm 37

Trusting in God's Faithfulness: Lessons from Christ's Teachings

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Intro

Psalm 37 offers wisdom on trusting in God's faithfulness, overcoming worry and envy, and living in righteousness. As we explore this Psalm through the lens of the New Covenant and the teachings of Jesus Christ, we gain deeper insights into the call to trust, the pursuit of righteousness, and the ultimate victory of the faithful.

Section 1: Trusting in God and Overcoming Worry (1-9)

"1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong... 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture... 9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land."

Talking Points:

1. The call to trust in the LORD and not fret over the wicked echoes Jesus' teachings on trusting in God's provision and not being anxious (Matthew 6:25-34).

2. The emphasis on doing good and dwelling in God's safe pasture aligns with Jesus' teachings on living a righteous and fruitful life (Matthew 5:16).

3. The assurance that the wicked will be destroyed and the faithful will inherit the land points to the ultimate judgment and victory promised by Jesus (Matthew 25:31-34).

Cross Reference: Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist's call to trust in the LORD and not fret resonate with Jesus' teachings on trusting in God's provision and not being anxious?

2. How does the emphasis on doing good and dwelling in God's safe pasture connect with Jesus' teachings on living a righteous and fruitful life?

3. How does the assurance of the ultimate judgment and inheritance in this Psalm align with Jesus' teachings on the final judgment and the rewards of the faithful?

Section 2: Delighting in the LORD and His Righteousness (10-20)

"10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found... 16 Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked... 20 But the wicked will perish: Though the LORD's enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke."

Talking Points:

1. The promise of the eventual end of the wicked aligns with Jesus' teachings on the final judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:46).

2. The affirmation of the value of righteousness over worldly wealth echoes Jesus' teachings on the true treasures of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19-21).

3. The declaration that the wicked will perish and be consumed points to the ultimate judgment and defeat of evil promised by Jesus (Matthew 13:40-42).

Cross Reference: Matthew 16:26, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist's promise of the eventual end of the wicked align with Jesus' teachings on the final judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked?

2. How does the affirmation of righteousness over worldly wealth in this Psalm relate to Jesus' teachings on the true treasures of the Kingdom of God?

3. How does the declaration of the perishing of the wicked point to the ultimate judgment and defeat of evil as promised by Jesus?

Section 3: The LORD's Care for the Righteous (23-40)

"23 The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand... 28 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones... 39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble."

Talking Points:

1. The assurance that the LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him reflects Jesus' teachings on the Father's care and guidance for His faithful followers (Matthew 6:26-34).

2. The declaration of the LORD's love for the just and His commitment to not forsake the faithful ones aligns with Jesus' teachings on God's love and faithfulness towards His people (John 10:28-29).

3. The affirmation that the salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD echoes Jesus' message of salvation and the need to take refuge in Him (John 14:6).

Cross Reference: John 10:28, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."

Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist's assurance of the LORD's care and guidance for the one who delights in Him resonate with Jesus' teachings on the Father's care and guidance for His faithful followers?

2. How does the declaration of the LORD's love for the just and His commitment to not forsake the faithful ones align with Jesus' teachings on God's love and faithfulness towards His people?

3. How does the affirmation that the salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD connect with Jesus' message of salvation and the need to take refuge in Him?

Summary

Psalm 37, interpreted through a New Covenant, Christ-centered perspective, provides wisdom about trusting in God and pursuing righteousness, precepts embodied in Jesus Christ.

The instruction to "trust in the LORD and do good," and to "delight yourself in the LORD," echoes Jesus' teachings about trust in God (John 14:1) and seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

David's caution not to fret over those who do evil but prosper temporarily, points towards Christ's Sermon on the Mount, where He blesses the meek and promises that they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

The promise that the righteous will be preserved forever finds its ultimate fulfilment in Christ, who grants eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 3:16). Furthermore, David's affirmation that God upholds the righteous aligns with the assurance that Jesus gives His followers that He will never leave them nor forsake them (Hebrews 13:5).

In all these ways, Psalm 37 foreshadows the teachings of Jesus and the values of His kingdom.

Psalms