Read Psalm 37:23-40.

Toward the end of his life, David could look back and see things he couldn’t always see in the moment. And so, as a wise and weathered king, he shared some of this wisdom in the second half of Psalm 37.

First, David was absolutely convinced God never forsakes his children. He writes, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken” (Psalm 37:25). David knew this from personal experience. During his life, he had lied, committed adultery, and orchestrated murder. But he had also repented and enjoyed the Father’s loving hand of restoration. There was no point in David’s life, whether high or low, at which he was forsaken by God. Likewise, the steps of God’s children—those who have received Jesus as Savior and Lord—are guided by God. Those who trust in God will never be disowned. They are held in His hand—they are His.

Second, David was convinced God’s will is always the best thing for His children. There were times in David’s life when he must have questioned God’s will—maybe when he was living in a cave or when he escaped to the land of the Philistines and pretended to be a mad man. David knew that in difficult times, we are tempted to think we know best. That’s why he says, “Turn from evil and do good” (Psalm 37:27). He’s talking about the evil of falsely accusing God of not caring, the evil of hardening our hearts toward God when He doesn’t give us what we want. Rather than succumbing to such evil, we must trust God and His will for our lives, even when we don’t understand.

Finally, David was convinced that we honor God when we trust Him—especially when we don’t understand. The greatest honor you can bestow upon the Lord is to fully trust Him. Yes, even when He delays. Even when He allows inexplicable things to happen. Even when you suffer and the wicked prosper.

Psalm 37:40 says the Lord delivers the righteous. Why? “Because they take refuge in him.” They trust in Him. “He is their stronghold in time of trouble” (v. 39). You might be thinking, “Oh, but I’ve messed up! I’ve made big mistakes. I’m not righteous.” If you have given your life to Jesus, you have His righteousness. All you need to do is trust in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust You and take refuge in You when I am troubled. May I remember that Your love has unquestionably been made clear in the gift of Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble” (Psalm 37:39).

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