This lesson explains biblically what it means to commit one's "way" to the Lord. The verses below are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB 1995 version) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
Consider. In the context of trusting in the Lord, what do you think David had in mind when he wrote, "Commit your way to the Lord"? (Psalm 37:5)
Introduction
David wrote Psalm 37 about the security of those who trust in the Lord (see the heading for Psalm 37:1-6). In Psalm 37:3, David tells us, "Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate [feed on] [God's] faithfulness" (Ref. 2, brackets added). To "trust" in the Lord means to be confident, sure, and secure in the Lord (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance - Ref. 3).
Commit your way to the Lord
In Psalm 37:5, the scripture instructs us to "Commit your way to the Lord." Let's look into the word meanings for "commit" and "way" in this phrase.
a. The Hebrew word translated as "commit" literally means to "roll" or "roll away" (Ref. 4, Genesis 29:10). The idea is for a person to roll or roll away a large stone (figuratively, a burden) which is too heavy for them to bear from themself onto the Lord, imploring his help (Ref. 5). b. The Hebrew word derek translated as "way" in Psalm 37:5 has both a literal and a figurative meaning. Derek literally means way, road, distance, journey, or manner (Ref. 6). Figuratively, derek means our entire course or journey of life (Brown-Driver-Briggs -- Ref. 6). When we confidently commit our "way" to the Lord, we entrust him with our life's journey including all of our cares, burdens, plans, and business. Similar verse:
Trust also in Him
Committing your way to the Lord and trusting in him go hand in hand. Trusting in the Lord means putting your confidence in him (Ref. 3). When we roll our life's journey, and all that weighs on us, on him, we have confidence that our life is in good hands (Ref. 8).
Similar verses:
And He will do it
The Hebrew verb translated in Psalm 37:5 NASB as "will do it" means literally to do or make, and more broadly, to accomplish (Ref. 10). The English Standard Version translates this phrase as "He will act" (Psalm 37:5 ESV). The King James Version translates this phrase as "He shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37:5 KJV).
When we roll our life's journey, and all that weighs on us onto our Lord Jesus, we have confidence and are sure that he will act and that he will guide us in the way that he determines is good (Romans 8:28, Proverbs 16:9).
Apply. Every day, in prayer, commit yourself and your way to the Lord Jesus. Ask him and seek his direction for your life, that you may walk in the purpose he has for your life (Matthew 7:7). Ask him to give you wisdom for your plans and decisions (James 1:5). Trust him to provide for your needs in accordance with his will (Philippians 4:19, 1 John 5:14). Cast your worries and burdens onto him (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). Confidently know that the Lord Jesus will act in your behalf (Psalm 37:5). He will bring to pass what is good for you according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
Thank the Lord and praise him for his answers to your prayers (Philippians 4:6 TLB). Tell others, with gratitude and humility, what God has done for you (Psalm 66:16). Your witness will encourage other people to commit their way to the Lord.
Related Lessons
"About the Way" - John 14:6 "The Way of the Lord (Old Testament)" - Deuteronomy 5:33 "Cast All Your Anxiety on Him" - 1 Peter 5:7
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-American-Standard-Bible-NASB1995/ 2. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/37.htm Pulpit Commentary - Psalm 37:3 3. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/982.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1556.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/proverbs/16.htm Matthew Poole's Commentary - Proverbs 16:3 6. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1870.htm 7. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/4639.htm 8. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/king-en/psalms/37.htm Kingcomments Bible Studies - Psalm 37:5 9. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/734.htm 10. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/6213.htm
3 Comments
Niki
2/18/2024 09:39:28 pm
This has been a hard week and this message has been so refreshing! So many times we get lost in our worries and forget to rely on our Lord. Thank you for this much needed message!
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2/19/2024 06:47:43 am
Niki
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Daily Bible Verse(On my new Bluesky account) AuthorMr. Whitney V. Myers. Christian. For more information, please visit the Author Page. Posting ScheduleI plan to provide new postings about once a month. Planned Topics(subject to change) Recent Posts(most recent three months) Popular Posts(top 10) Categories
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