Devotion 23 July 2026

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8: 31

READING: Psalm 37

Psalm 37 is a cry from the psalmist that feels so modern in its meaning. The words may be of wicked people drawing swords and bending bows, but we know what he is talking about – people who treat others badly. We look around our lives and our world and see wickedness in so many different ways – as blatant as actual killings but also as subtle as the hurtful words and actions that bring us down emotionally and spiritually.

And here, in the midst of his negative descriptions, the psalmist gives us the way to live when other people are the cause of our misery.

He says firstly, “Trust in the Lord and do good” (v3). We are required to not only keep our faithful hope in God in the face of trouble but also to keep carrying on doing whatever good actions we can. Like Timothy, we can concentrate on running the race set before us (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Jesus Himself said, seek first my righteousness, and I will give you everything that you need (Matthew 6:33).

Then, “Take delight in the Lord” (v4) - keep our focus on God and keep our spirits up by praising and thanking Him for His blessings. We can delight in the rising of the sun each day to bring us warmth and light, and watch with delight as the beauty of the sunset fades into dusk and the evening star shines out in brilliance. We should delight ourselves in God by studying His word and communicating with Him in prayer.

We must “Commit your way to the Lord” (v5). We should focus on moving forward under the guidance and in consultation with God. No wallowing around in self-pity.  Telling Him about our wants, needs and hopes. There is a way forward along God’s path.

Perhaps the hardest instruction to obey is in verse 7; “Be still before the Lord … wait patiently for him … do not fret when people succeed in their ways”. We are not designed for patience, nor for calmness when it appears that wrong prevails. God requires us to trust that He is in control regardless of how little we understand what is happening or how long it takes.

Finally we are told to “Refrain from anger” (v8); another difficult demand upon us.

But our reward is that “the Lord will uphold the righteous” (v17) and give us “the desires of our heart” (v4). Our trust is in an omnipotent God, and we are assured that He “laughs at the wicked” (v13)! How delightful it is to have a great God who is in control, who knows better than we do what will really fulfil our deepest heartfelt desire.

Prayer

O God, I trust You to protect me; I accept that Your grace is sufficient for all my needs; let me not lose faith in other people, but look for the good in all and seek what is right; through Christ our Lord. Amen