Psalm 37 – The Wicked Will Soon Fade Away
Psalm 37 states some pros and cons about how we live our lives. Those living for the Lord have favor with Him. But for wicked people, things will not turn out very well for them.
When we weigh the outcome of these two types of people you could come to one distinct conclusion. Being a wicked person is not a good idea.
“Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone.” Psalms 37:1-2
Promises, promises, promises! Have you ever said those words to someone? Some people are good at making them but not so good at keeping them. I hope that doesn’t include you.
In Psalm 37 the Lord makes some promises and we can rely on Him to always keep them. His promises in this chapter, however, come with conditions. Look at the conditions in verses 3 and 4.
Trust In the Lord
Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:3-4
If you want God to give you your heart’s desires then you must take delight in Him. He not only wants your attention, but He also wants your devoted commitment.
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:5
Sometimes we feel that we must measure up to the world’s expectations. But the Psalmist said we don’t need to because the Lord will make your innocence radiate like the dawn.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
In Psalm 37 David also covered the other side of the coin. He gave a review of the fate of the wicked. The word “wicked” denotes an ungodly person who distances themselves from God.
What the Wicked Can Look Forward to according to Psalm 37
- The wicked plot against the godly; . . . But the Lord just laughs.
- The wicked draw their swords and string their bows to kill the poor and the oppressed, . .
- Their swords will stab their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. Psalm 37:12-14
No matter what the wicked or should I say, the ungodly do, disaster and destruction will catch them. The Psalmist continued with the contrast between the godly and the ungodly.
- For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever,. . . but the children of the wicked will die. Psalm 37:28
- The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. . . . but the Lord will not let the wicked succeed. Psalm 37:32-33
- I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. . . . but when I looked again, they were gone! Psalm 37:35-36
- Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. . . . but the rebellious will be destroyed.; they have no future. Psalm 37:37-38
The Lord Rescues the Godly
David closed this Psalm with a very encouraging message to those who love the Lord and live that way.
The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, Psalm 37:39-40
A fortress is a place of protection. So who does the Lord rescue us from and protect us from? The rest of verse 40 tells us.
. . . rescuing them (the godly) from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him. Psalm 37:40
Don’t Be Wicked
The bottom line for everyone living in this life has to be – don’t be one of the wicked. If you are and remain that way, you are doomed.
Our only hope is found in Jesus, for he is the Savior of all mankind. Actually, God gifted Him to every man, woman, and child. We find that promise in a very familiar verse.
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Most people know that verse by heart but they don’t recall any of its following verses. When you read verse 18 you will see that it totally agrees with what David wrote in Psalm 37.
There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. John 3:18
Lord, thank you for your assurance of keeping a watchful eye on all who put their trust in you. We do trust you to rescue and protect us from the wicked.
David closed this Psalm with a very encouraging message to those who love the Lord and live that way.
The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, Psalm 37:39-40
A fortress is a place of protection. So who does the Lord rescue us from and protect us from? The rest of verse 40 tells us.
. . . rescuing them (the godly) from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him. Psalm 37:40
Check out this other post written on Psalm 37
- Enjoying The Benefits Of Living A Godly Life can be read here.
Check out these other posts related to the wicked.
- God Takes No Pleasure In The Life Of The Wicked
- God’s Justice Is Delivered To The Wicked
- If We Confess Our Sins
- Turn From Your Wicked Ways
- Why Do The Wicked Prosper?
- Casting Out Evil Spirits Comes Only By Prayer
Here is a related post on the subject of forgiveness. What’s The Best Way To Seek Forgiveness Of Sin?
You will also like this related post on evangelism called How To Reach Lost People For The Kingdom Of God
Lord, thank you for your assurance of keeping a watchful eye on all who put their trust in you.
Read this entire Psalm.
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