January 7, 2019 – Psalm 37:1-2

Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Psalm 37:1-2.

This Psalm has memories for me.  Mother often quoted and LIVED verses 3 and 4.  Trust in the Lord and do good.  Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.  Take delight in the Lord He will give you your heart’s desires.  

She didn’t concern herself with others who had more or lived on the edge.  She made her own clothes, and made do, and gave to others.  She loved deeply.  As she was in the process of dying, I began reading the Psalms to her, beginning with this Psalm.  I continued until after her heart stopped beating.  

Now when I read this Psalm, my thoughts stop at the fourth verse.  Take delight in the Lord.  No other word fills me with pure joy more than the word Delight.  Zephaniah 3:17 tells us, For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness.  With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.  Micah 7:18. 

Delight goes both ways and is contagious.  We love each other because He loved us first. I John 4:19.   When we love others, God delights in us.  The secret of ‘delight’ from God is meditating on His Law and living for Him day and night. 

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 3-4.