May 11, 2026

SALVATION COMES FROM THE LORD

Passage: bible.psalm 37:23-40

Key verse: 39

NIV

chapter 37

23. The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

24. though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

26. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.

27. Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

28. For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish.

29. The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

30. The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.

31. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.

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.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Psalmist clearly contrasts the lifestyles and final outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. The LORD upholds the righteous. He does not forsake them nor their children (25, 28). The righteous are generous and their children are blessed. They speak words of wisdom and justice. God’s law is in the heart of the righteous. When the wicked revolt against the righteous, intent on putting them to death, God will not allow the righteous to be condemned. He protects them. God promises that they will inherit and dwell in the land forever, a promise ultimately fulfilled in the kingdom of heaven. God promises a future of peace.
By contrast, God is against the wicked. They will be completely destroyed (28a, 38a). God rescues his people from the crooked schemes of evil people. The wicked may appear to be flourishing in luxury but they will pass away and be no more. They will not be found. There is no future for the wicked.
Considering the destinies of the righteous and the wicked, we can take heart in the LORD. God alone offers salvation. That salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ, who took the penalty for our sins on himself through his death and resurrection. Let us turn from evil and hold onto Jesus for salvation. In Jesus, we become righteous (2 Co 5:21).

Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus who saves us and makes us righteous.

One Word: Jesus, you are my salvation!

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