August 1, 2018

Psalm 37 abounds with encouragement for people who trust and follow God’s ways, along with a message of doom for those who do not. The Creator is specific in what He considers worthy of approval and what He condemns.

I am encouraged by the advice in verse 37: “Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.” Everyone desires to have a future of peace, and this verse gives a formula for obtaining that goal. Find someone who is blameless and lives righteously. Follow their example.

It is important for children to have good role models, but that need does not end at any point in the life process. In all stages of life, there are people who provide examples of peace while there are others who seem bent on destruction. The influences are subtle. Media plays a part in this. For example, some TV shows cause laughter, but at the wrong things. If we follow that influence, we will miss a life of peace.

Parents do not wish for turmoil in the lives of their children. They want to see success in their children’s choices and peace in their relationships. It is important to point them toward men and women who provide life examples to follow that accomplish these goals.

In contrast to a life of destruction, the confidence of following good examples is outlined in the final verses of the Psalm: “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.”

Pastor Bill Ehmann