“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5
It is one thing to know the Scriptures; it is quite another to live by them. And yet, there is but one way to truly know the God of the Scriptures, and it is obedient faith practiced according to His word. Often this is represented by the “walk” of the believer. It is also demonstrated by one’s worship of God, pursuit of communion with God, and the desire and will to serve God according to His will. Central to every act of obedience is the faith in God, in Christ, appropriating His life and strength for the accomplishment of His will. How did David live, worship, and serve God? How did the men and women of old, who were those of true faith, learn how to “follow” Christ, obeying the revealed will of God for them, according to their calling, gifts, and mission at that time in history? The answer brings us always back to the inspired word of God, through which He reveals Himself by the Spirit, to the heart and mind of the believer, the servant of God. It is in the grasping of the truth that the soul is inspired by God to look up, and beyond the preoccupying things of earth, to love the God he or she worships. It is a certainty of Scripture, and particularly revealed to the church in our day, that the Holy Spirit of God, of Christ, has been given to us to teach us all things, bringing to remembrance, whatsoever the Lord Jesus has said to us. (Jn. 14:26) The Spirit of God has been given to us to “testify” to us, bearing witness to the spirit of the believer, not only the real and true presence of God, but His leading and guidance. The Spirit of truth will guide us always into all truth, even revealing to us things to come. How does the Spirit of God work in the hearts and minds of the believer to do this? He does so by taking the written, objective, word of God, quickening, or making it alive, it to the heart and mind by the conviction, assurance, and confirmation that He gives, accompanied by the peace that He gives. How then, did David, being inspired of God to write Psalm 37, communicate to believers in Christ throughout the ages, God’s changeless ways, so that the believer of today can practice the theology found there, and know God, walk with God in communion with Him today?
For something to become, and remain useful, it must be practical. David was a very practical man. In fact, in his writings, we find a simplicity, and yet profoundness, that only God could provide, so that we could practically use the truth to know God. He begins in Psalm 37 with “evil doers,” “workers of iniquity,” which might distract and turn aside the believer from the great pursuit. These he commits to God, His judgement, and intervention. Why? God’s will for David, and for us, is that we trust Him fully, being specifically engaged in that which pleases Him. It is in that attitude of submission and faith, that He reveals Himself to the heart and mind. David writes: “Trust in the Lord and DO GOOD. The practical outworking of a life of faith in God, is working for the good of others, loving them in truth, sincerity, and wisdom, but also, serving them. God is good to us, that we might have the resources, both physical and spiritual, to do good to others. The truth of the goodness of God is to be known of men. David confirms this in Psalm 34:8, “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”
There are two promises associated with such a life of trust and doing good. The first is: “…so shalt thou dwell in the land.” Herein is security and peace of mind and heart. The second promise is for provision: “…verily thou shalt be fed.” God will always provide.
Dear Father, Give us grace to stake all upon Thee today, according to Thy word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.