Trust God Despite Uncertainty
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.
Psalm 37:5-6 (CSB)
We live in a world of constant uncertainty. Moments, emotions, and events around us and within us change on a whim. The fallen nature of the world creates a dynamic where uncertainty is the norm because people in this world seek to live in ways that please themselves, promote themselves, and pursue profit for themselves. In Psalm 37, the Psalmist reveals these characteristics of those who dwell in the world. This acknowledgment comes with a call for followers of Christ to learn not to seek the things of this world or live under the influence of its people, but to seek the wisdom of the Lord and trust Him completely while navigating these times affected by uncertainty.
Trust God’s Providence (1-9). The Psalmist reveals that believers need to trust in God’s providence. When we speak of providence, we discuss God’s providing and protecting nature for His own. The Psalmist encourages believers to trust in the Lord and to commit themselves to the Lord despite the reality of opposition in the world. By trusting in God’s providence, believers can wait patiently and serve the Lord faithfully despite outside pressures. When we understand God’s providence today, we see how being committed to the Lord and waiting on Him can be a reality in our lives while living in uncertain times.
Trust God’s Promise of Justice (10-17). The Psalmist continues to remind his audience that God will bring justice. In this world, the presence of justice seems skewed. Those who live in sin and ignore the Lord appear to prosper, while those who follow the Lord seem to struggle. The Psalmist reminds us that ultimately, the wayward will face destruction, and those who follow the Lord will receive the inheritance of the Promised Land. When we embrace this promise, we find rest in the assurance that God will bring justice to a world plagued by injustice.
Trust God Through Faithfulness (18-26). The Psalmist calls on believers to seek to live faithfully before the Lord. He encourages believers to trust in the Lord’s guidance for their steps and in God’s presence and restoration when a misstep occurs. The Psalmist recognizes that the individual who missteps does not inherently deserve restoration but emphasizes trust in God’s faithfulness to restore His own. Today, we must strive to trust in the Lord completely. Our lives should reflect a commitment to pursuing the Lord and following Him.
Trust God and Pursue Righteousness (27-40). The Psalmist urges followers to seek wisdom by turning away from evil and choosing to do what is good. This way of living arises when the Word of God is embedded in the heart. When the Lord's instruction fills the heart, life reflects the wisdom and guidance of the Lord. Simultaneously, the child of God lives with the assurance of the Lord's promises, which are also written in the heart. By having God’s instruction rooted in our hearts, we pursue righteousness, as our lives are guided by the wisdom derived from God’s Word.
QUESTIONS
How can trusting in God’s providence settle your life that is surrounded by a world plagued by uncertainty?
When we acknowledge that true justice comes only from the Lord, how can the gospel be the ultimate remedy for any perceived injustice?
