TRUST IN THE LORD, AND DO GOOD

The psalms tell us that the faith of men is such that it trusts in some very unreliable things, including riches, chariots, horses, princes, bows and swords, to say nothing of false gods as well. This trust is misplaced and doomed to disappointment. The believer, however, does not trust in such unworthy things but in a person, the Lord his God. To trust is to have faith and that is the opposite of fretting or worrying. Sometimes faith is tested and in times of trial it is easy to make wrong decisions if we look at our circumstances rather than focussing on the Lord. For example, during a time of famine in the land, Elimelech left Bethlehem with his family because he felt that he could not be sustained there and that Moab would be a better place, Ruth 1. 1-2. But it turned out to be a bitter place, as was admitted by Naomi, 1. 20, as she returned ‘empty’. Trusting in the Lord will see us through our trials and minimise the pain of loss and guilt.

Faith is not an inactive thing and the second part of this command says we should do good. Faith produces works without which it is dead, or useless. As James asks, ‘Can (such) faith save?’, Jas. 2. 14. A workless faith is a worthless faith, being of value to no one. Here the psalmist indicates that there should be a balance between faith and works, ‘Trust in the Lord, and do good’. The result of this obedience is twofold. Firstly, we shall ‘dwell in the land’, and, secondly, we shall ‘be fed’. This may be seen as a promise or perhaps as yet another command. The former would suggest that living by faith and works will enable God to preserve our inheritance in the land and enable us to remain in our allotted portion in peace and security. As verse 27 says, ‘Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore’.

While remaining in the land the second part of the promise will come to fruition, ‘verily thou shalt be fed’. To be ‘fed’ is to be ‘shepherded’ and for the believer that is indeed a wonderful promise. It is the Psalm 23 experience every day. Let us resolve to ‘trust in the Lord’, and live for Him in this world, knowing that if we do we shall be protected and fed. In times of distress don’t look around but do look up and trust in the Lord.