Finding Hope in a Challenging SeasonSample

I love Psalm 37! Not just because, as someone who dabbles in poetry myself, I appreciate the intricacy of it, with each stanza starting with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The main reason I love Psalm 37 is because it is incredibly hopeful, while at the same time acknowledging the reality of evil in the world.

The Psalmist repeatedly refers to “the wicked”, but unlike in Psalm 37, here he is not despairing about them. Instead, he is confidently asserting their destiny. They will “perish”, “be destroyed”, “wither”, “die away”, “be consumed”, and “go up in smoke”. Therefore, says the Psalmist, don’t fret about them! Trust God instead.

In case anyone was wondering what reasons we have to trust in God, the Psalmist provides us with plenty. Our hope as Christians isn’t just that the wicked will perish, it’s that the righteous will prosper: “He will give you the desires of your heart” (v4); “He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn” (v6); “He will exalt you to inherit the land” (v34); “He will deliver you from the wicked and save you” (v40).

We are living in a challenging season for Christians today. There’s no point denying it or trying to downplay it. Evil is wreaking havoc on the world and the wicked are causing harm to God’s people.

At the same time, we need to remind ourselves that God is still present and working for the good of his people. Even in these days, God is protecting us, delivering us, saving us, and bringing new life. Therefore, we need to embrace this season, just as we do the physical season of fall or autumn. Yes, there is loss and death… but there is also beauty and opportunities for us to respond faithfully in it.

Look at the instructions the Psalmist gives us in this Psalm: don’t fret (v1), trust (v2), take delight (v3), commit (v5), be still (v7), refrain from anger (v8), turn from evil (v27), hope in the Lord (v34). What amazing guidance that gives Christians today! Meditate on these words and pray that you would respond with faith and hope, in every moment.