When our focus is not on the Lord, we can easily become anxious. Psalm 37 is an extended antidote to anxiety, even when there seem to be many reasons to fear. The psalm, sometimes classified as a wisdom psalm because of its insight into the realities of life, invites believers to have trust, peace, and contentment (vv. 3, 5, 7) even when it seems that evil has the upper hand (vv. 1, 7, 12, 14).

We find peace through looking deeper than external appearances like wealth (v. 16). Evil may have power for a time, but it is self-defeating; it cannot last forever (vv. 10, 20, 22). When we abide in the Lord, He is there to pick us up when fall: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” (vv. 23–24) A life with God means true peace, now and eternally: “The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. (v. 18)

John F. Burns spent forty years covering world events for The New York Times. In an article written after his retirement in 2015, Burns recalled the words of a close friend and fellow journalist who was dying of cancer. “Never forget,” his colleague said, “It’s not how far you’ve traveled; it’s what you’ve brought back.”

Psalm 37 could be considered David’s list of what he “brought back” from his journey of life, from shepherd to soldier and king. The psalm is a series of couplets contrasting the wicked with the righteous, and affirming those who trust the Lord. “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.” Psalm 37:23

As the years add up, God’s faithfulness keeps multiplying. From our experiences in life, what has God taught us? How have we experienced His faithfulness and love? In what ways has the Lord’s love shaped our lives? It’s not how far we’ve traveled in life, but what we’ve brought back that counts.

Source: What We Bring Back