The wicked have no future in the eyes of God. Even their present prosperity and aspirations have diminishing value when you consider their end, for according to David, “…those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off” (v22, cf. Ecc 9:6). Retribution of the Lord is their eternal reward. Contrastively, blessings are poured out on his people. Even when we stumble in our faith, backslide into sinful patterns, and make mistakes, it is God who (by providential hand) charts our course and keep us steady through the turbulence of life, thus David highlights the promise of those whom God delights, “…though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand” (v24). What are some other blessings God gives to those who place their trust in him?
God provides for our earthly needs (v25-26). It is true that God prioritizes our eternal needs; however, our physical essentials are important to him also. Remember, Jesus not only declared that he was the “Bread of Life” that fully satisfies our souls (Jn 6:35), but he also fed the multitudes bread loaves (and fish). He demonstrated kindness and concern for their present daily needs, for he said to his disciples, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way” (Mt 15:32). With God we will not lack what we need, thus David affirms this truth from his own experience, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread” (v25). Hallelujah!
God protects the righteous (v27-28). Those who pursue faithful living towards God will produce the fruit of his righteousness in their lives. John taught, “…Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous” (1 Jn 3:7). This is possible because God’s children will pursue a lifestyle of self-denial and repentance. We will strive (by his Spirit) to turn away from evil and do good in his name for his glory. Therefore, David reminds us that because the Lord loves what is right, “…he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever…” (v28).
God gives us wisdom (v30-31). David continues, “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom and his tongue speaks justice.” Once again, another benefit of relationship with God appears in his writings. God has placed his Word to reign within the righteous, thus, “The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.” (cf., Lk 6:45).
Let keep the faith in these truths, as we trust in the character of God. Remember, the wicked (unbeliever) seek an future and hope outside of God, which ends in shame and everlasting hunger. In contrast, God is our inheritance. Trust in him brings blessings that he gives to us as an appetizer in this life, then in a full feast in eternity. Through it all, he preserves and bears us up. His face shines upon us, as he speaks to our heart everyday, “I Got You.” Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com