Psalm 37 is a powerful passage about trusting God in the face of wickedness. It teaches patience, faith, and obedience. The psalm reminds believers that evildoers will not prevail. Instead, those who trust in the Lord will be sustained.
These sample sermon outlines focus on key themes from Psalm 37. They emphasize trusting God, delighting in Him, and walking in righteousness. Each outline highlights a crucial lesson for believers. These messages encourage faithfulness and reliance on God’s promises.
Use these outlines to guide your study or preaching. They provide a strong foundation for teaching Psalm 37 with clarity and confidence.
Sample Outlines for a Sermon on Psalm 37
#1. Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers (Psalm 37:1)
Theme
God calls His people to trust Him rather than worry about the success of the wicked. Anxiety over evildoers distracts from faith and obedience.
Introduction
The world is full of injustice. The wicked often seem to prosper while the righteous suffer. This can lead to frustration, fear, or even doubt. Psalm 37:1 reminds us not to fret when we see evildoers thriving. God is in control. Their success is temporary, but His justice is eternal. This sermon will encourage believers to trust God instead of being consumed by worry.
Main Text
Psalm 37:1
Key Doctrines
1. God’s Justice is Certain
- The wicked may seem to thrive, but their time is limited. God sees their actions, and His justice will prevail. Psalm 37:2 compares them to grass that will wither away. Their success is temporary, and God will deal with them in His perfect time.
- Trusting in God’s justice brings peace. When believers understand that God is just, they do not have to take matters into their own hands. Vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19). Instead of fretting, Christians are called to remain faithful and leave justice to Him.
2. Worry Distracts from Faith
- Anxiety over evildoers shifts focus away from God. When believers dwell on the prosperity of the wicked, they can become discouraged. Instead of fretting, Scripture calls us to trust in God and keep our eyes on Him.
- Jesus taught that worry does not add anything to our lives (Matthew 6:27). Fretting over the wicked does not change their outcome. It only robs believers of peace and joy. Trusting God allows believers to remain steadfast in faith.
3. The Righteous Must Respond with Faithfulness
- The response to wickedness is not fear or anger but trust in the Lord. Psalm 37:3 instructs believers to “trust in the Lord and do good.” The focus must be on righteous living, not frustration over evil.
- Faithfulness in difficult times is a testimony to God’s power. When believers remain steadfast despite the apparent success of evildoers, they demonstrate true faith. Others see their trust in God and are encouraged to do the same.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- Have I ever found myself discouraged by the prosperity of the wicked? How did I respond?
- Do I truly trust that God’s justice will prevail, or do I try to take matters into my own hands?
- How can I shift my focus from fretting about evil to growing in faithfulness?
- What does it mean for me to “trust in the Lord and do good” in my daily life?
- How can I encourage others who struggle with frustration over injustice?
Call to Commitment
Worrying about evildoers leads to frustration, but trusting in God leads to peace. The world will always have wickedness, but God’s justice is sure. Instead of letting anxiety take over, believers must anchor their hearts in the truth of Scripture. The wicked will fade, but those who trust in God will endure.
Commit today to replace worry with faith. When injustice seems overwhelming, turn to God in prayer. Focus on doing good rather than being consumed by what is wrong. God’s justice is coming. Stand firm in your faith, knowing that He is in control.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for reminding us that we do not need to fret over evildoers. You are just, and Your timing is perfect. When the wicked seem to prosper, help us to trust in Your justice. Keep us from envy or frustration and fix our eyes on You. Strengthen our hearts to remain faithful.
Teach us to trust You more each day. Remove anxiety and replace it with peace. Help us to focus on doing good rather than being distracted by evil. Fill us with wisdom and patience as we wait on Your perfect plan. We surrender our worries to You.
Amen.
#2. Delight Yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
Theme
True joy and fulfillment come from seeking God above all else. When believers delight in the Lord, He shapes their desires to align with His will.
Introduction
Many people chase happiness in temporary things—success, wealth, or relationships. Yet, these things never fully satisfy. Psalm 37:4 teaches that true delight comes from the Lord. When we find our joy in Him, He transforms our hearts and fills us with what truly matters. This sermon will explore what it means to delight in the Lord and how it leads to a life of fulfillment.
Main Text
Psalm 37:4
Key Doctrines
1. Delighting in God Means Pursuing Him Above All
- To delight in the Lord means to find our greatest joy in knowing Him. It requires seeking Him in prayer, Scripture, and obedience. This is not about using God to get what we want but about treasuring Him above all else.
- The world offers many distractions, but only God satisfies the soul. Psalm 16:11 says that in His presence, there is fullness of joy. When we seek Him first, He provides true fulfillment.
2. God Transforms Our Desires
- When believers delight in God, He changes their hearts. Their desires begin to align with His will. Instead of chasing worldly things, they long for righteousness, holiness, and His kingdom.
- This promise does not mean God gives anything we wish for. Rather, He places godly desires in our hearts. As we grow in faith, we begin to want what pleases Him.
3. A Life of Delight in the Lord Brings Peace
- When we delight in God, we experience deep, lasting peace. Worries fade because we trust in His goodness. We no longer rely on circumstances for joy, but on His unchanging nature.
- Paul speaks of this contentment in Philippians 4:11-13. He had joy in every situation because his delight was in Christ. This is the peace God gives to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- What does it mean for me personally to “delight in the Lord”?
- Have I been seeking happiness in things that do not truly satisfy?
- How can I grow in my desire for God and His Word?
- Do my desires reflect a heart that is truly aligned with God’s will?
- In what ways can I find joy in the Lord, even in difficult circumstances?
Call to Commitment
God calls us to find our joy in Him, not in temporary things. When we seek Him first, He changes our hearts and fills us with lasting peace. The world cannot offer what only God can provide. Instead of chasing what fades, pursue what lasts—His presence, His truth, and His will.
Commit today to making God your greatest delight. Spend time in His Word. Seek Him in prayer. Trust that as you pursue Him, He will shape your heart to desire what truly matters. Choose to delight in the Lord, and He will satisfy your soul.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for teaching us that true joy comes from You. Help us to seek You above all else. Remove any distractions that take our focus away from You. Shape our desires to align with Your perfect will. Fill our hearts with joy in Your presence.
Give us a hunger for Your Word and a passion for knowing You more. When trials come, remind us that our joy is in You, not in circumstances. Help us to delight in You daily and trust in Your faithfulness. We surrender our hearts to You.
Amen.
#3. Commit Your Way to the Lord (Psalm 37:5)
Theme
Faith is not passive—it requires active commitment. True trust in God means surrendering every part of life to Him.
Introduction
Many say they trust God, but real trust requires action. Psalm 37:5 calls believers to commit their way to the Lord. This means placing everything—plans, decisions, and future—in His hands. It is an act of surrender and confidence in His faithfulness. This sermon will explore what it means to commit fully to God and the peace that comes from trusting Him completely.
Main Text
Psalm 37:5
Key Doctrines
1. Commitment to God Requires Surrender
- To commit our way to the Lord, we must let go of self-reliance. It means trusting God’s plans over our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding. True commitment requires full surrender.
- Many hesitate to surrender because they fear losing control. Yet, God’s plans are always better than ours. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that His ways are higher. Trusting Him leads to greater peace and purpose.
2. Trusting in God Leads to Stability
- When we commit our way to the Lord, we find security. Life is uncertain, but God is unchanging. Psalm 55:22 says to cast our burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain us.
- Trusting God does not mean life will be free of trials. However, it means we will never walk through them alone. His presence gives strength and stability even in difficulties.
3. Commitment to God is a Daily Decision
- Commitment is not a one-time choice but a daily surrender. Jesus called His followers to take up their cross daily (Luke 9:23). Every day, believers must choose to trust God over their own understanding.
- Prayer, obedience, and dependence on God deepen our commitment. The more we seek Him, the stronger our trust becomes. A life of commitment to God brings lasting peace and direction.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- What areas of my life have I not fully committed to the Lord?
- Am I trusting in my own understanding more than in God’s wisdom?
- How can I daily surrender my plans to God with confidence?
- What does it look like to actively live out my trust in God?
- In what ways have I seen God’s faithfulness when I committed something to Him?
Call to Commitment
Commitment to God is more than words—it is a life fully surrendered to His will. Many hold onto their plans, afraid to let go. But trusting God brings peace, stability, and purpose. He knows the best path, and He will direct those who trust Him.
Today, make the decision to commit your way to the Lord. Let go of fear and uncertainty. Surrender your plans, knowing that His ways are perfect. Trust that He will guide you, provide for you, and sustain you. Walk forward in faith, confident in His promises.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
We come before You, surrendering our lives into Your hands. Thank You for reminding us that You are faithful and trustworthy. Help us to commit our plans, decisions, and future to You. Strengthen our faith to trust in You fully.
Teach us to rely on You daily. When we struggle with doubt, remind us of Your faithfulness. Give us the courage to follow where You lead. Help us to surrender every part of our lives and walk in obedience to You. We trust You completely.
Amen.
#4. The Steps of a Righteous Man Are Established by the Lord (Psalm 37:23)
Theme
God directs and secures the path of those who follow Him. A righteous life is not without challenges, but the Lord upholds those who trust in Him.
Introduction
Life is full of uncertainties. Many people wonder if they are on the right path. Psalm 37:23 assures believers that when they walk in righteousness, God establishes their steps. He does not leave them to wander aimlessly. Instead, He guides, strengthens, and upholds them. This sermon will explore what it means to walk in God’s path and trust Him to direct every step.
Main Text
Psalm 37:23
Key Doctrines
1. God Actively Directs the Lives of the Righteous
- The righteous do not walk blindly. God is actively involved in guiding their steps. Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” He provides wisdom, correction, and direction to those who seek Him.
- Walking in righteousness means being sensitive to God’s leading. He speaks through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. When believers seek Him, they can trust that He will guide them according to His will.
2. God’s Path is Not Always Easy, But It is Secure
- Being led by God does not mean a life free from trials. The righteous still face challenges, but they are never alone. Psalm 37:24 reminds us that even if they stumble, God upholds them.
- The security of the righteous is not in their own strength but in God’s faithfulness. Isaiah 41:10 promises that He will strengthen and help those who trust in Him. No matter the obstacles, God remains in control.
3. Trusting God’s Direction Requires Obedience
- God establishes the steps of those who obey Him. This requires daily surrender and a willingness to follow His commands. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Obedience to Scripture is key to walking in His ways.
- Partial obedience leads to confusion and uncertainty. When believers fully commit to God’s direction, they experience His peace. Trusting Him completely means following Him without hesitation.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- Am I actively seeking God’s direction in my life, or am I relying on my own understanding?
- How have I seen God establish my steps in the past?
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust God’s guidance more fully?
- What does obedience to God’s leading look like in my daily decisions?
- How can I encourage others to trust in God’s direction?
Call to Commitment
God does not leave His people to wander. He establishes the steps of the righteous and leads them in His perfect way. While the path may not always be easy, it is secure in His hands. Trusting Him brings confidence, even in uncertain times.
Today, choose to follow God’s direction wholeheartedly. Surrender your plans, trust His guidance, and walk in obedience. He will not let you stumble without support. Stay close to Him, and He will establish your steps.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for guiding our steps and leading us in righteousness. We trust that You are in control, even when the path ahead seems unclear. Help us to seek Your wisdom, listen to Your voice, and obey Your direction. Strengthen our faith to follow where You lead.
When we stumble, uphold us with Your grace. Remind us that Your way is always best. Give us the courage to trust in You fully. Lead us in righteousness so that our lives may bring glory to You. We commit our steps to You.
Amen.
#5. The Lord Will Not Forsake His Saints (Psalm 37:28)
Theme
God is faithful to His people. He never abandons those who trust in Him, even in difficult times.
Introduction
Many believers face moments when they feel alone or forgotten. Trials, hardships, and disappointments can make it seem like God is distant. But Psalm 37:28 reassures us that the Lord will never forsake His saints. He remains faithful, providing strength and comfort in every situation. This sermon will focus on God’s unfailing presence and His commitment to His people.
Main Text
Psalm 37:28
Key Doctrines
1. God’s Faithfulness is Unchanging
- Unlike people, God never wavers in His commitment. His faithfulness is part of His character. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”
- When believers go through trials, they can trust that God is still with them. He does not abandon His children. Deuteronomy 31:8 promises that He will never leave nor forsake His people.
2. God Sustains His People in Difficult Times
- Hardships are part of life, but God provides strength in every trial. Psalm 55:22 says to “cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.” He does not always remove struggles, but He gives the grace to endure.
- Even in suffering, God is working for the good of His people. Romans 8:28 assures believers that He causes all things to work together for those who love Him. His presence brings hope, even in the darkest times.
3. God’s Faithfulness Calls for Trust and Perseverance
- Because God is faithful, believers are called to trust Him fully. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Trusting in His promises brings peace and confidence.
- Faithfulness to God is not just about receiving His blessings but also about remaining steadfast. Even when circumstances are difficult, believers are called to stand firm, knowing that God is with them.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- Have I ever felt abandoned by God? How did I respond?
- What are some ways God has shown His faithfulness in my life?
- How can I remind myself of God’s presence during difficult times?
- Am I fully trusting in God’s faithfulness, or do I struggle with doubt?
- How can I encourage others who feel forsaken or discouraged?
Call to Commitment
God’s faithfulness is unshakable. He does not forget His people, no matter the situation. When trials come, He remains present. He strengthens, sustains, and upholds those who trust in Him. Knowing this should give believers great confidence.
Commit today to trust in God’s faithfulness. When difficulties arise, do not lose heart. Instead, stand firm in His promises. He will never abandon you. Rest in His presence, knowing that He is always near.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness. You never leave nor forsake Your people. Even when trials come, You remain with us. Help us to trust in Your promises and to rely on Your strength. When we feel weak, remind us that You are our refuge.
Give us the confidence to walk in faith, knowing that You will sustain us. Help us to encourage others with the truth of Your presence. Fill our hearts with peace and assurance. We place our trust in You completely.
Amen.
Closing Thoughts
Psalm 37 is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, guidance, and provision for His people. It teaches us not to fear evildoers, but to trust in the Lord. It calls us to delight in Him, commit our ways to Him, and walk in righteousness. Above all, it assures us that He will never forsake those who belong to Him.
As we reflect on these truths, let us apply them in our daily lives. Trust in God’s plans, seek His presence, and stand firm in His promises. He is faithful, and He will always lead His people in the right path.