Daily Devotion: A Promise to the Righteous

Scripture:
Psalm 37

Main Verse:
Psalm 37: 11
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.

Observation:
In Psalm 37, the phrase "inherit the land" was mentioned many times: vv. 9, 11, 22, 29, and 34. I learned from a pastor that when a word or phrase is repeated several times in a chapter, it must have great importance. Why did David keep on repeating the promise of inheriting the land? Who will inherit the land?

In Matthew 5: 5 Jesus quoted David's Psalm 37: 11. Clearly, the promise is not only for the Israelites, but to those who are meek, those who do not think highly of themselves, those that are neither arrogant nor proud, those who have access to power or control but choose not to. So when David repeatedly mentioned inheritance of the land, he wanted to reiterate that God will reward the righteous in his perfect time. The wicked may prosper right now, but the Lord will bring them down.  "All sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked. (Psalm 37: 38).

Application:
We often wonder why there is so much wickedness in this world, and why they prosper even though they are so evil. Psalm 37 gives us a glimpse of what the Lord will do with the wicked, and the promises He has laid out for the righteous. Our "inheritance" is not here on earth, because everything--our lives, our possessions, our achievements--are all temporary. But what's everlasting is the inheritance that God promises to the meek--the righteous. If we stick to God, if we remain in His Word, we can expect our inheritance in God's time: an inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade, which is kept in heaven for us ( Peter 1: 4).

Prayer:
Father, you are faithful to those who are faithful and obedient to you. Thank you for your promises. I pray that I may always do your will and be righteous at your sight at all times. May the Holy Spirit cover me and lead me to a life of righteousness, in Jesus' name I pray. AMEN.