Originally published by The Round Farmhouse Ministries on April 9, 2026.

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24 ESV)

I admit it. I compare my life to the lives of people around me. I know the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but sometimes I’m envious. I don’t have the life I thought I would have at this point in time, and the green-eyed monster makes an appearance when I see others living the life I thought I would have. Sometimes I envy the prosperity of not-yet-believers and wonder why they appear to be thriving and blessed. And then a tough situation arises, and I don’t know how they get through it without Jesus. Because He’s the only reason I get through each day, let alone tough days.

In Psalm 37 we read about how God’s children should respond when they see people around them prosper despite their adversity toward God. We are reminded that when we see not-yet-believers prosper, we need to keep our faith and loyalty to God for the long haul.

Trust in the Lord (vs. 3)

Delight ourselves in the Lord (vs. 4)

Commit our ways to the Lord (vs. 5)

Be still before the Lord (vs. 7)

Refrain from anger (vs. 8)

Take refuge in Him (vs. 40)

And we are to wait, which can be really hard. We live in a world of instant gratification, and waiting is a skill to be honed. God knows this about us, which is why we’re encouraged to do it.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” (vs. 7)

“For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land” (vs. 9).

“Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off” (vs. 34).

How are we to wait? Patiently, not comparing ourselves to others’ timelines and circumstances.

And the result? Peace.

“But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace” (vs. 11).

“Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace” (vs. 37).

Because God is in control (vs. 13), we don’t give up hope: “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread” (vs. 25). God hasn’t left us. In fact, He’s proven himself over time. “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24 ESV).

In what ways can you trust, delight, commit, and be still before the Lord today?