Archives for June 2026

When I once got a view of Christ’s transcendent loveliness!

Thomas Doolittle, “Love to Christ Necessary to Escape the Curse at His Coming!” 1693

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

The prophet Isaiah, speaking of graceless men as disliking, not desiring, not loving Jesus; brings them in as saying, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him!” Isaiah 53:2
 
What! No loveliness in Him who is “the brightness of the Father’s glory, and the express image of His person!” Yes there is, but they had no eyes to see it!It is as if a blind man would say that the sun is dark, because he has no eyes to behold it’s light. How could they look upon Him with an eye of love; when they did not discern Him with an eye of faith?

But a holy soul, whose eyes are divinely opened, so sees the superlative goodness, beauty, and excellence in Jesus–that all other things, which are good with an inferior goodness, seem to him as dross and rubbish! “But whatever was to my profit, I now consider loss for the sake of Jesus. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things! I consider them rubbish,” things cast to dogs, or dog’s food, “that I may gain Christ!” Philippians 3:7-8. The holy man, whose mind is savingly enlightened, can say: I see that goodness in the Savior, which far surpasses all the goodness of the creature!

Though the stars can be seen in the night; yet when the sun arises, they all disappear. Just so, in my night of ignorance, when my mind was blind, my heart hard, and my affections frozen; I was bewitched with the glare of riches, of honors, and of worldly pleasures. But then the Sun of righteousness with His radiant rays shined into my soul, and with His warming influences thawed my benumbed and frozen heart. And then the glory of all those earthly vanities which once dazzled my eyes, vanished and withered away! When I once got a view of Christ’s transcendent loveliness; then in comparison to Him, I saw . . .
  an emptiness and vanity, in all the creature’s fullness;
  shame, in all the world’s nobility;
  dishonor, in all the world’s glory;
  poverty, in all the world’s riches;
  darkness, in the world’s most resplendent luster;
  folly, in the world’s highest wisdom;
  deformity, in the world’s loveliest beauty!

Yes, the soul whose love is fixed upon Jesus, adores His superlative goodness, beauty, and excellence!

“Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!” Song of Songs 5:16

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

What a compassionate, gracious arrangement!

Susannah Spurgeon, “Words of Cheer and Comfort for Sick and Sorrowful Souls!” 1898

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Psalm 31:15, “My times are in Your hand!”

Why then, need I worry or tremble? That great, loving, powerful hand keeps all the events of my life sealed and secure within its almighty clasp! Only He, my Maker and my Master, can permit them to be revealed to me as His will for me. What a compassionate, gracious arrangement! How eminently fitted to fulfill that sweet promise of His Word, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You!” If we fully believed this, then we would be absolutely devoid of the worry which corrodes and chafes the daily life of so many professing Christians.

“My times.” Not one or two important epochs of my history only, but everything that concerns me:
  joys that I had not expected,
  sorrows that must have crushed me, if they could have been anticipated,
  sufferings which might have terrified me by their grimness,
  surprises which infinite love had prepared for me,
  services of which I could not have imagined myself capable–
all these lay in that mighty hand, as the purposes of God’s eternal will for me.

But, as they have developed gradually and silently–how great has been the love which appeared, enwrapping and enfolding each one!
Has not the grief been measured–while the gladness has far more abounded?
Have not the comforts and consolations, exceeded the crosses and afflictions?
Have not all things been so arranged, ordered, and undertaken, and worked out on our behalf–that we can but marvel at the goodness and wisdom of God, in meting out from that dear hand of His, all the “times” that have passed over us?

You agree with me in all this, do you not, dear reader? Then I beg you to apply it to your present circumstances, however dark or difficult they may be. They have come directly from your Father’s hand to you, and they are His dear will for you!

“We know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

  

The best pattern of fellowship with God

Charles Spurgeon

Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

A missionary some years ago, returning from Southern Africa, gave a description of the work which had been accomplished there through the preaching of the gospel. Among other things, he pictured a little incident of which he had been an eye-witness.

He said that one morning he saw a converted African chieftain sitting under a palm tree with his Bible open before him. Every now and then he cast his eyes on his book and read a passage, and then he paused and looked up a little while, and his lips were seen to be in motion. Thus he continued alternately to look down on the Scriptures, and then to turn his eyes upward towards Heaven.

The missionary passed by without disturbing the chieftain; but a little while afterwards he mentioned to him what he had seen, and asked him why it was that sometimes he read, and sometimes he looked up?

The chieftain replied, “I look down to the Book, and God speaks to me; and then I look up in prayer, and I speak to the Lord–and in this way we keep up a holy talk with each other.”

I would set this picture before you, as being the best pattern of fellowship with God–the heart hearkening to the voice of God, and then replying in prayer and praise.

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need!” Hebrews 4:16  

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com  

The most sparkling diamond in the ring of glory!

Thomas Brooks, “A Believer’s Last Day, His Best Day“

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Ecclesiastes 7:1, “The day of death is better than the day of one’s birth.”

A believer’s last day is his best day! Death is a change of enjoyments. It is a change of our more dark and obscure enjoyment of God–for a more clear and sweet enjoyment of Him. The best believer in this world, who enjoys most of God–he is still much in the dark, and does not enjoy God clearly.

Ask those who live highest in the enjoyment of God, “What is your greatest burden?” They will tell you: “That our views of God are quite darksome, so that we cannot see Him face to face, whom our souls dearly love.”

Death is a change of our imperfect and incomplete enjoyments of God, for a more complete and perfect enjoyment of Him. One has beautifully said: “The glorious things of Heaven are . . .
  so many, that they exceed number;
  so precious, that they exceed estimation;
  so great, that they exceed measure!”

There are no complaints in Heaven, because there are no needs. Oh, when death shall give the fatal stroke, there shall be an exchange of this wilderness world, for the glories of Heaven!

Here in this present world, the saints receive grace; but in Heaven, they shall receive glory! God keeps the best wine until last. Here we have but some sips and tastes of God; the fullness is reserved for the glorious state. He who sees most of God here on earth, sees but His back parts; His face is a jewel of such splendor and glory, that no eye can behold but a glorified eye.
The best of Christians are able to take in only a glimpse of God; their hearts are like the widow’s vessel, which could hold only a little oil. Sin, the world, and creatures take up so much room in the best hearts–that God gives Himself out little by little; as parents give sweets to their children. But in Heaven God will communicate Himself fully and at once to the soul! Grace shall then be swallowed up in glory!
Death is a change of a more inconstant and transient enjoyment of God–for a constant and permanent enjoyment of God. Here on earth, the saints’ enjoyment of God is changeable. But in Heaven there are no clouds arising between the Lord and a believing heart. In Heaven there are nothing but kisses and embraces; nothing but a perpetual enjoyment of God! When once God takes the soul unto Himself, He shall wipe away every tear.

Jesus is the most sparkling diamond in the ring of glory! It is Heaven and happiness enough, to see Jesus and to be forever with Him. One has said, “For Jesus to be with Paul, was the greatest security–but for Paul to be with Jesus, was the chief happiness!”

Oh what a glorious change this is! Methinks these things should make us long for our dying-day, and account this present life to be but a lingering death. “And so we will be with the Lord forever! Therefore encourage each other with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Psalm 78 

Verses 1–8 – A Call to Hear and Pass On God’s Works

Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:3Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.4We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.5For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:6That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:7That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

Asaph opens by summoning God’s people to tune their ears to “a parable” that unveils the past so future generations will not repeat it. He urges parents to recount “the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD” so children will “set their hope in God” and not be “a stubborn and rebellious generation.” (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/78.htm)

Verses 9–16 – Ephraim’s Failure and God’s Wonders in the Wilderness

The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.10They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;11And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.12Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.13He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.14In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.15He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.16He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.

The warriors of Ephraim, though armed with bows, “turned back on the day of battle.” Their forgetfulness is set against vivid memories of the Red Sea crossing, the water from the rock, and the guiding cloud and fiery pillar—proof that God was faithful even in barren places. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/78.htm)

Verses 17–31 – Rebellion Over Manna and Quail

And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.18And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.19Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?20Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?21Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;22Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:23Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,24And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.   25Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full.26He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.27He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:28And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations.29So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;30They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths,31The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.

Despite bread from heaven, the people tested God: “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?” The LORD sent both manna and quail, yet “His anger rose” and many fell when greed for meat overran gratitude for provision. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/78.htm)

Verses 32–39 – Shallow Repentance and God’s Compassion

For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.33Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.34When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God.35And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.36Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.37For their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant.38But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.39For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

Even when struck, Israel “continued to sin.” Their flattery passed for repentance, but their hearts were “insincere.” God, remembering “they were but flesh,” restrained total judgment and showed compassion.  (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/78.htm)

Verses 40–55 – God’s Mighty Deliverance from Egypt

How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!41Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.42They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.43How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan:44And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.45He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.46He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, and their labour unto the locust.47He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycamore trees with frost.48He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.49He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.50He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; 51And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:52But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.53And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.54And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased.                          55He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

Ten plagues—darkness, blood, frogs, flies, locusts, hail—culminated in the death of Egypt’s firstborn. God “led them like sheep through the wilderness,” drove out nations, and settled Israel inside Canaan “with a line of inheritance.” (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/78.htm)

Verses 56–64 – Israel’s Continued Rebellion and Loss of Shiloh

Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:57But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.58For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.59When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:60So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men;61And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy’s hand.62He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.63The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage.64Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.

Israel “tested and rebelled,” desecrated the sanctuary at Shiloh, and lost the Ark to the Philistines. “Fire consumed their young men,” and priests fell in battle, underscoring the cost of covenant infidelity. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/78.htm)

Verses 65–72 – God’s Choice of Judah, Zion, and David

Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.66And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.67Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:68But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.69And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever.70He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:71From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.72So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

The LORD “awoke as from sleep,” rejected Joseph’s tents, chose “Mount Zion He loved,” and raised David “from tending ewes” to shepherd Israel “with integrity of heart and skillful hands.” (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/78.htm)

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Psalm 78, penned by Asaph, serves as an evocative narrative spanning the history of the Israelites. It functions as a spiritual lesson highlighting God’s immeasurable mercy, Israel’s persistent rebelliousness, and the importance of imparting spiritual wisdom to the next generation. This Psalm is a vivid testament to the cyclical nature of faith, forgetfulness, and redemption. 

Application for Today

•Teach intentionally: Family accounts that place God at the center inoculate the next generation against disbelief.

•Remember gratefully: Journaling answered prayers modernizes Israel’s stone memorials (Joshua 4:7).

•Obey wholeheartedly: Miracles cannot substitute for trust. Quail came, but craving killed.

•Hope confidently: If God can wake “as from sleep” to save Israel, He can revive hearts, churches, and nations that cry out now.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

The fear of the LORD

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Here, God opens to us the true gateway of wisdom. All the philosophies and teachings of men may parade themselves as insight, but apart from the fear of the LORD, they are blind guides leading the blind. Wisdom does not originate in intellect, nor is it attained by experience alone. It begins with the fear of God–a holy reverence and awe of His majesty, His power, His justice, and His grace.

True fear of God does not lead to bondage, but to holiness. To fear the Lord is not a cringing dread, but a deep-hearted recognition of who He is, and a consequent submission to His will. It is to stand in awe of His holiness and to tremble at His Word (Isaiah 66:2). It is to love what He loves, to hate what He hates, and to live in conscious dependence upon Him. Until this fear governs the heart, one cannot be wise–for without it, one walks in the vanity of his own mind and the darkness of his own understanding (Ephesians 4:17-18).

From this holy fear, springs the pursuit of the knowledge of the Holy One. Here we do not deal in mere information about God–but in the spiritual, experiential knowledge of Him through His Word. To know the Holy One, is to be brought into saving relationship with Him through Jesus and His sin-atoning sacrifice on the cross.

This knowledge transforms. As we grow in reverence and deepen in our acquaintance with God’s holy character, we are conformed into His likeness. Wisdom is not academic–it is spiritual insight into the ways and will of God, made possible only through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. True wisdom leads to holy living; for what a man truly knows of God, will always show itself in how he lives before God. A holy fear of God is the root of all godliness. A tender conscience, a reverent heart, and a holy walk are the fruit of fearing the Lord.
Let us therefore examine our hearts. Is the fear of the LORD the root of our choices, the anchor of our worldview, and the guide of our steps? Are we growing in the experiential knowledge of the Holy One? If we would be wise, we must begin here–and never move beyond it.

“Lord, teach me to fear You above all things. May Your greatness silence every anxious thought, and drive away every earthly fear. May Your holiness humble me, Your grace embolden me, and Your presence comfort me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.” Psalms 128:1

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Father knows best!

Charles Spurgeon

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Job 1:21, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised!”

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job 2:10

Let the Lord do as He wills to us–He will never be unkind to us.
He has always been our friend; He will never be our foe!

He will never put us into His furnace, unless He means to purge the dross out of us. Nor will there be one degree more heat in that furnace than is absolutely necessary. There will always be mercy to balance the misery, and strength supplied to support the burden to be borne.

Oh, children of God, your Father knows best!
Leave everything in His hands and be at peace, for all is well.

“I was silent; I would not open my mouth; for You are the one who has done this!” Psalm 39:9

“He is the LORD; let Him do what is good in His eyes!” 1 Samuel 3:18

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty: yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17-18

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

**New** Chapter 4. Mr. Worldly Wiseman (SermonAudio.com, 20 minute video)**New** Chapter 4. Mr. Worldly Wiseman (YouTube, 20 minute video)

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“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week Grace Gems is beginning the presentation of the book, Pilgrim’s Progress. This is a classic and a must read for all believers. However, we will be able to see it in video format.

The Pilgrim’s Progress

Chapter 3. The Swamp of Despond (SermonAudio.com, 6 minute video)

Chapter 3. The Swamp of Despond (YouTube, 6 minute video) 

The Puritan John Bunyan wrote his enduring allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, while imprisoned in England for preaching the gospel. First published in 1678, this beloved work has instructed, warned, and encouraged generations of Christians in virtually every aspect of the Christian life. In 2018, Grace Gems prepared a careful update of the original text, preserving Bunyan’s message while making it more accessible to modern readers. We are now freely presenting that edition in a high-quality video format. Above you will find links to the video of Chapter 1, “The City of Destruction.” Lord willing, we plan to publish a new chapter each month until the whole book is complete. Here is an overview of the book:

The Pilgrim’s Progress beautifully portrays the Christian life as a pilgrimage from the City of Destruction, to the Celestial City. It opens with the sobering truths that every person is born in sin, and under the wrath of God. When Christian is awakened by reading the Scriptures, he discovers what every sinner must learn: this fleeting world with all its gaudy trinkets, cannot soothe a wounded conscience or reconcile a soul to a holy God. His departure from the City of Destruction reflects the call to repentance–the summons to forsake false hopes, turn from sin, and seek life in Christ alone. As Bunyan’s story unfolds, the cross stands forth as the sinner’s only refuge, the blessed place where the burden of sin is atoned for, and grace triumphs over condemnation.

From that moment onward, the pilgrim’s path is marked by trials, temptations, fears, and sorrows, yet never by abandonment. The Lord faithfully sustains His people through every dark valley, using affliction not to destroy faith, but to refine it. Through companions, warnings, and providential mercies, Bunyan reveals the tender care of God for weary pilgrims on the dangerous and narrow way that leads to eternal life. He also warns that external religion and mere head knowledge are no substitute for a heart truly renewed by grace. In the end, The Pilgrim’s Progress lifts the reader’s eyes beyond the hardships of the present pilgrimage, to the everlasting joy that awaits all who persevere by faith in the presence of King Jesus in the Celestial City.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 37 lies in the first division of Psalms and addresses mankind. Its tone resembles that of the book of Proverbs. The psalm dispenses wisdom about the security of the righteous man and the insecurity and fate of the wicked man. Psalms 36 and 39 also describe the insecurity and fate of the wicked. The covenant God made with Israel in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27—30 is the basis for David’s assurance that the righteous are secure. The issue of the prosperity of the wicked is also featured in Psalms 49 and 73. David most likely wrote Psalm 37 in his old age. 

Psalm 37

^“ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Fret not (Psalm 37:1-11)

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.³ Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.⁴ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.⁵ Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.⁶ And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. ⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.⁹ For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.¹⁰ For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

In the beginning of this psalm David tells his audience not to “fret,” which is translated from a Hebrew word referring to burning or heat. In contrast to anxiety, or rage, believers should trust in the Lord, delight themselves in the Lord, commit their way to the Lord, and wait patiently for the Lord. He explains that the prosperity of the wicked lasts only a short time, whereas the Lord’s blessing of the righteous lasts forever (Psalm 37:1–11). 

The Lord upholdeth the righteous (Psalm 37:12-34)

¹² The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.¹³ The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.¹⁴ The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.   ¹⁵ Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.¹⁶ A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.¹⁷ For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.¹⁸ The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.¹⁹ They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.²⁰ But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.²¹ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.²² For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.²³ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.²⁴ Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.²⁵ I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.²⁶ He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.²⁷ Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.²⁸ For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.²⁹ The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. ³⁰ The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.³¹ The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.³² The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.³³ The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.     ³⁴ Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

David points out that God is fully aware of the situations faced by the righteous. He is also aware of the seemingly unfair prosperity of the wicked. He knows the wicked abuse the poor and needy and violently oppose the righteous. He assures his readers that God always takes care of His people and protects them. His blessing extends not only to the righteous but also to their descendants. David says the righteous person has God’s Word in his heart, and therefore he does not stumble through life. The Lord is always near the righteous person and will give him the Promised Land for an inheritance (Psalm 37:12–34). 

Salvation of the righteous is of the Lord (Psalm 37:35-40)

³⁵ I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.³⁶ Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.³⁷ Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. ³⁸ But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.³⁹ But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.⁴⁰ And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

From the world’s perspective, evil people might seem like a tree with wide-spreading branches. Something so large, and so deeply rooted, can be intimidating. However, as David notes, that is merely an illusion compared to the power of God. In his own life, David saw the fate of the rich (1 Samuel 25:39), the strong (1 Samuel 17:48–51), and those in authority (1 Samuel 23:14) who rejected God and godly wisdom. When the once-powerful tree is destroyed, eventually all traces are gone. God promises a future for the righteous, but He will destroy the wicked. David concludes Psalm 37 by describing the Lord as the believers’ salvation and refuge in times of trouble. He delivers them from the wicked (Psalm 37:35–40). 

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com