Psalms 37:4-7

Psalms 37:4

"I have been young, and now am old," says the writer of this Psalm. Its whole tone speaks the ripened wisdom and autumnal calm of age. The dim eyes have seen and survived so much, that it seems scarcely worth while to be agitated about what ceases so soon. The clauses of the text contain the elements which secure peace even in storms and troubles. If we consider them carefully, we shall see that there is a well-marked progress in them.

I. Here is the secret of tranquillity in freedom from eager earthly desires. "Delight thyself," etc. One desire unfulfilled is enough to banish tranquillity; but how can it survive a dozen dragging different ways? Unbridled and eager wishes destroy tranquillity by putting us at the mercy of externals. Rest comes with delighting in God (1) because that soul must needs be calm which is freed from the distraction of various desires by the one master-attraction; (2) because in such a case desire and fruition go together; (3) desire after God will bring peace by putting all things in their right place.

II. The secret of tranquillity is found in freedom from the perplexity of choosing our path. "Commit thy way unto the Lord," or, as the margin says, roll it upon God. (1) This is a word for all life, not only for its great occasions. (2) It prescribes the subordination not the extinction of our own inclinations. (3) It prescribes the submission of our judgment to God, in the confidence that His wisdom will guide us. These two keys joy in God and trust in His guidance open for us the double doors of the secret place of the Most High.

III. The secret of tranquillity is found in freedom from the anxiety of an unknown future. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." We are sure that in the future are losses, and sorrows, and death. Thank God, we are sure, too, that He is in it. That certainty alone and what comes of it makes it possible for a thoughtful man to face to-morrow without fear or tumult.

A. Maclaren, Sermons Preached in Manchester,2nd series, p. 245.

Reference: Psalms 37:5. J. E. Vaux, Sermon Notes,1st series, p. 18.