Hold Fast [Psalm 37]
Jack Tar used to get 8 letters tattooed across his knuckles:
H-O-L-D-F-A-S-T
It was a message that offered both instruction—hold fast to the rigging, lads, lest the storm carry you overboard—and defiance—if we hold fast and fight, we will make it through to victory.
I think Psalm 37 is essentially a perfect psalm; every line is worth repeating to yourself and underlining in your Bible.
“It reminds those hearing it to hold fast even in the face of a world where the wicked seem to do better than the faithful.”
Don’t be angry at the prosperity of the wicked, and don’t be fooled:
The Lord will vindicate those who trust in him, but the way of the wicked will perish.
It might seem that the wicked prosper, but that is only because you and I lack perspective: in the long run the Lord will bring the wicked to ruin—if you could see the end now, you’d know that the wisest course of action is to trust in the Lord, because his way is the only way that will last.
In the meantime, brothers and sisters, hold fast and don’t lose heart.
P.S. “The meek shall inherit the earth.” Who said that, and from what was he quoting?