Trusting in God’s Eternal Promises (Psalm 37:1-3)

By Jeff Arnette     The contrast between man’s wickedness and God’s perfections is clear. Loving kindness, as seen in Psalm 36:7, parallels the concept of grace in the New Testament. Psalm 36:7 states, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” These passages also emphasize the contrast between the lifestyle of the wicked and deceitful versus the righteous and forgiven.     Psalm 37:1-3 presents some of the hardest principles to live by: “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.” How often do we struggle when we see unbelievers living by their own plans and still prospering in this life? This can lead us to ask questions such as, “How could the Lord allow such things to take place?” One critical reminder from this passage is that no one is promised an easy life or a life free from trouble. While some point to Matthew 11:28-30 as proof that Jesus promises ease and rest, it is important to recognize that these promises are not typically fulfilled in this earthly life. Rather, they are fully realized in our heavenly home, as Jesus assures us in John 14:2: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” This promise, however, is exclusive to believers—not to unbelievers.     The wicked may appear to flourish in this life, but this prosperity is temporary. Eventually, judgment day will come, and they will reap what they have sown. Believers, on the other hand, have no need to fear death or judgment. Their trust in Jesus secures their standing before God. If someone has not trusted in Jesus, their good deeds will not matter; they will stand before the Lord without an advocate. Conversely, the believer has sown seeds of eternal life, as noted in Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Their treasure is stored in heaven, a reward that will never fade.     In summary, Psalm 37:1-3 reminds us to trust in the Lord and do good, even when faced with the apparent success of the wicked. Our hope is in God’s eternal promises, which far outweigh the fleeting gains of this world.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/