Day 12: Evil is Self-Destructive | Learning to Trust God More – 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional from Psalm 37 - February 15



Day 12 — Evil is Self-Destructive

Psalm 37:12, The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. 13 The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct. 15 Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.

Key Thought: Violence ultimately destroys its source.

Prayer: Help me maintain my hope in You.

Remember that Psalm 37 is wisdom instruction, not lament. David contrasts the temporary activity of the wicked with the enduring stability of the righteous. These verses intensify that contrast by describing active hostility, and God’s response.

“The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth.”
In our sinful world, we cannot underestimate the depravity of people who are wicked and self-serving. It is our nature to believe the best in people, but there are some, as the Bible highlights, who are wholly committed to taking advantage of others. The wicked engage in deliberate scheming and premeditated evil, not just impulsive wrongdoing. They are strategic, thoughtful, and intentional.

Gnashing teeth in Scripture signifies rage and violent resentment. This is emotional fury combined with calculated malice. Those who possess "upright conduct" are not simply ignored; they are targeted because of the threat they pose to evil schemes. Integrity provokes opposition.

The derogatory images in February of Barack and Michelle Obama illustrate the malice that is present in the hearts and minds of evildoers.

“The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming.”
The laughter of the Lord is not amusement but derision. God mocks the intentions of the wicked. He is never anxious about the schemes of evildoers, nor should we be anxious. The coming “day” refers to the appointed time of reckoning. The wicked operate on borrowed time.

“The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct.”

This does not speak of random violence, but targeted injustice. The wicked exploit vulnerability and exercise power with cruelty. Psalm 37 reminds us that injustice is not permanent.

“Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.”
The instruments of their violence become instruments of self-destruction. We see this principle throughout Scripture: wicked people are self-destructive.
~ Haman’s gallows (Esther 7)
~ Daniel’s accusers (Daniel 6)
~ The principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7)
~ "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them" (Proverbs 26:27)

The “breaking of the bow” signifies the removal of power and capacity to harm. Evil carries the seeds of its own collapse. It is amazing how Scripture not only exposes human nature but also outlines the consequences of behavior—good or bad.

Even with difficult passages like this, we can take hope that God sees everything. He has given humans free will, so people can choose to do wrong or to do well. Those of us committed to doing well must continue shining our light.

Put another way, Jesus said that we are “the light of the world.” He intends for us to shine our lights in every area of life.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Where sin abounded, grace much more abounded.” (Romans 5:20).

Our hope in God is always greater than the schemes of the wicked.

Reflection question: Why is God not "stressed" about evildoers? What gives you hope?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

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Learning to Trust God More Devotional

Day 11: God Sustains the Righteous | Learning to Trust God More – 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional from Psalm 37 - February 14




Day 11 — God Sustains the Righteous

Contributor: Stacy Williams

Psalm 37:17 (NIV), “For the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.”

Key Thought: God upholds those who trust Him.

Prayer: Be my strength today.

This verse contrasts the outcome of the wicked with the outcome of the righteous.

“The wicked” are those who are bent on doing evil, at odds with God’s standards, rejecting the fear of the Lord, and actively hostile to the things of God. The word wicked can also carry the idea of self-reliance and pride, which frequently motivate their actions.

The wicked operate outside of the Kingdom of God. They are not sustained or rewarded by Him; rather, any strength they appear to have is ultimately broken. They attempt to operate, maneuver, and manipulate within a fallen system through their own hubris. Their strength is unsustainable.

An analogy would be that of unsupported software. Unsupported software no longer receives assistance or updates from its developer. This eventually results in instability and system failure. Similarly, the wicked operate in a fallen system that leads to brokenness. The wealth of the wicked (Psalm 37:16) and the power associated with it will not last because they are functioning in an unsupported system.

Those who have trusted God for salvation have been made righteous through what He has provided (1 Corinthians 1:30). The righteous have right standing with God and walk in integrity among people. In contrast to the wicked, the righteous lean into God and look to Him for sustaining strength.

The righteous operate in the Kingdom of God which is a system fully supported by God Himself. Their actions are motivated by trust and reliance on His strength and ability. As 

Psalm 62:6 declares:  “Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”

The righteous are able to stand firmly on the Rock of their salvation and be supported – upheld– by the Lord.

Reflection question: In what area of your life do you need to rely on the sustaining power of the Lord?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

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Learning to Trust God More Devotional

Day 10: Use the Power of Another | Learning to Trust God More – 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional from Psalm 37 - February 13




Day 10 — Use the Power of Another

Psalm 37:7, Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

Key Thought: Stillness is an act of faith.

Prayer: Teach me how to rest in You and not fret

“Rest in the LORD”
The Hebrew word for “rest” means to be still, to be quiet.

The book of Hebrews states, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” (4:9–10)

Resting in the Lord is not inactivity. It is relying on a God’s power. It is also knowing that when we have done what we were supposed to do, God does the rest. When we are at rest, we do not have inner agitation or fretting.

David wrote God’s words, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

“Wait patiently for Him”
The Hebrew word for “wait patiently” carries the idea of intense expectation. We are not passive while waiting; we are exercising confidence and faith in God.

This is the second of three instances in Psalm 37 where the Lord says, “Do not fret” because of evildoers. It is very frustrating to see people and systems bringing wicked schemes to pass. As of this writing, we are seeing it in real time in our nation at the highest levels of government.

As concerned as we should be, and as active as we should be in helping vulnerable people and seeking to curtail harmful policies, we do not want to let anyone or anything distort our disposition. In the words of an old saying, “Don’t let other people’s hang-ups hang you up.” One of the best definitions of resting in the Lord is this: “Use the power of Another.”

By the grace of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and keeping our mind on the Lord, we will be able to avoid fretting, rest in the Lord’s power, and watch Him do amazing things!

Reflection question: In what specific ways do you need to use the power of Another, the power of God?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

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Learning to Trust God More Devotional

Day 9: The Way of Meekness
 | Learning to Trust God More – 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional from Psalm 37 - February 12



Watch or Listen to My Message from Sunday, February 8


Day 9 — The Way of Meekness

Psalm 37:11, “But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

Key Thought: Meekness is strength.

Prayer: Teach me how to have strength under control

Psalm 37 contrasts the wicked and the righteous. Again, David is not lamenting; he is giving instruction to God’s people on how to live faithfully when evil seems to prosper. 

• The loud are not the lasting.
• The aggressive are not the inheritors.
• The manipulators are not the permanent.

Here is the Hebrew meaning of “the meek:” Humble, lowly, gentle, dependent. This word does not describe a personality temperament; it describes a decision to live with strength under control. Meekness is not weakness.

During a television commercial, Charles Barkley famously said, “The meek may inherit the Earth, but they won’t get the ball.” This marketing statement reinforces the false narrative that meek people are weak.

In the world of basketball, some may have considered Tim Duncan to be meek, but those who watched him play understood his intensity. He displayed strength under control.

People who are meek are not passive; they have disciplined intensity.

For example, Moses is called “very meek” (Numbers 12:3), yet he confronted Pharaoh. Meekness has authority without aggression.

“And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

The meek actually live at the highest levels of blessing from God because of their commitment to “delight themselves in the Lord.” Living in this manner produces an abundance of peace.

What the meek possess:
“Peace” (shalom in Hebrew) - which is completeness, wholeness, harmony, well-being.
“Abundance” - which is overflow, fullness, excess.

Reflection Question:  What are examples of how meekness is not weakness?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

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Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Learning to Trust God More Devotional

Waiting with Hope & Active Faith – 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional Through Psalms 37 & Inspiration Minute #208 for February 11, 2026



Watch or Listen to My Message from Sunday, February 8




Day 8 — Waiting with Hope & Active Faith

Psalm 37:9 — For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth.

Key Thought: God’s purpose is our greatest asset

Prayer: Teach me how to wait on what You are preparing

“Evildoers shall be cut off”
The Hebrew phrase “cut off” speaks of severance, removal, or loss of standing. In covenant language, “cut off” means exclusion from blessing. It does not necessarily mean death.

The focus of this text is the unsustainability of evil. The history of the world has seen many evil persons, governments (such as Nazi Germany), and evil deeds. Along with the blessings of God we see the perils of life and people of bad will.

Biblically, “evildoers” are those who act unjustly, oppress others, prosper through wrongdoing, and benefit from manipulated systems. Evil involves willful participation in what harms others and dishonors God. Evildoers may flourish for a time, but their influence and works will not endure.

This is not something we can simply pray away. It is something we work on as Christ followers, communities, and citizens. Sometimes Jesus helped people just for the sake of helping people (such as feeding and healing others). He was not always “evangelizing,” because His motive was loving and serving people.

“Those who wait on the LORD”
The Hebrew word “wait” means more than time passing. It carries the idea of hope, expectancy, patience, and active faith in God.

We wait and expect because God’s power is greater than our power. Our faith is expressed through endurance and obedience to His instructions. Waiting on the Lord is the antidote to fretting. Instead of overreacting to evil, we remain anchored in God’s timing and character.

From this place of strength, we can gain wisdom to know what to do. When you are at the airport waiting for a flight, technicians are preparing the airplane and making sure there is nothing impeding your route. When you are waiting, God is working.

“They shall inherit the earth”
“Inherit” is a covenant word. Biblically, inheritance is connected to continuity, belonging, and stability. Jesus said, “I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it” (Revelation 3:8).

“To inherit the earth” is more than land ownership (which comes later). It is participation in God’s ordered world, living within His purposes and enjoying what He provides. These things can happen while we are living on this earth, even among evildoers.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). We do not want to inherit the earth in its present state. We work to make the best of the environments in which we live during our lifetimes.  When it is all said and done, there will be a new heaven and a new earth in which we will live and reign with Christ. 

For now, our focus is to serve God’s purposes in our generation.

Reflection Question: In light of this Scripture and lesson, what does waiting on the Lord mean?


Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

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Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Learning to Trust God More Devotional
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