Psalm 37:23-24

"The steps of a man are from the Lord, and he establishes him in whose way he delights; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord is the stay of his hand" (Psalm 37:23-24).

 

Comment:

Psalm 37 in Hebrew is an acrostic—each stanza begins with a different letter, and they appear in order. As a result, it is a good idea to consider it in its entirety to fully understand its message. It's like a spiritual ABC book, but more for adults than for children. The result reads more like a collection of proverbs than a single, coherent psalm. And yet, within the artificial framework the author has included some guidance and advice that are no less applicable to our lives today than to the early Hebrews he was addressing.

"Do not fret because of the wicked," it begins, "do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herbs." It may seem that those who do not honor the spiritual dimension of our human lives are prospering. But it is a temporary illusion—they are like the man Jesus describes who builds his house on sand. Without the solid foundation of spiritual commitment, prosperity will not last. And the strain and anxiety of trying to maintain it will make it impossible to relax and enjoy it.

The clear alternative is to "be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him." The Lord of our being—the Christ—will be a source of infinite support and guidance. We find the peace and infinite love we seek, not by accumulating things, but by trusting in our relationship with the Lord—the Christ Power within us. In these particular verses, the psalmist affirms that we can move through our lives with confidence, trusting that the Lord of our being—our true spiritual selves—will be working with us (as us, really) every step of the way.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed