David Jeremiah (March 27, 2024) Daily Devotional: Life Without Bondage

David Jeremiah (March 27, 2024) Daily Devotional: Life Without Psalm 37:32–40

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
   intent on putting them to death;
33 but the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked
   or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Hope in the LORD
   and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
   when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
   flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,
36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
   though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
   a future awaits those who seek peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
   there will be no future for the wicked.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
   he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
   he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
   because they take refuge in him.

Commentary

1. Stay close to God

If you want to hear God’s message, you need to ‘wait passionately for God, don’t leave the path’ (v.34a, MSG). ‘The spacious, free life is from God, it’s also protected and safe. God-strengthened, we’re delivered from evil – when we run to him, he saves us’ (vv.39–40, MSG).

Lord, help me to stay close to you, staying on your path and hoping in you.

2. Seek Peace

God’s messengers must be messengers of peace; ‘For there is a happy end for the man of peace’ (v.37b, AMP). God’s messengers should not be stirrers or seek to bring unnecessary division. Rather, be a person of peace. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ (Matthew 5:9).

Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.