It’s two words in a somewhat familiar psalm that have captured my attention this morning. Two words. Which I’ve underlined with a purple color-pencil as they seem to be a command to obey. But to be honest, not quite sure exactly what is being commanded. Perhaps it’s because these two words may actually entail two commands to obey.

Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
       be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass
       and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
       dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

(Psalm 37:1-2 ESV)

Befriend faithfulness . . . Those are the two words I’m chewing on this morning.

The context for David’s song seems to be how to live in a land of “evildoers.” Twelve times in the song’s 40 verses, reference is made to the “the wicked.” Whatever the exact circumstances of David’s poetic inspiration, David is counseling whoever has ears to hear on how to not only survive but thrive in “evil times” (37:19). Hmm . . . could be a song for our times? Ya’ think?

I remember some teaching I heard on the psalm as a young man. A view of the song which built on five pillars found within its lyrics:

• “Trust in the LORD” (v.3);
• “Delight yourself in the LORD” (v. 4);
• “Commit your way to the LORD” (v.5);
• “Be still before the LORD” (v. 7);
• “Wait for the LORD” (v. 34).

Though probably received 40 years ago, I have never forgotten the impact of that brother’s exhortation. Good teaching. Not only at the best of times, but, according to David, for the worst of times.

And within one of those foundations, “Trust in the LORD”, the two words that have grabbed me this morning: Befriend faithfulness.

Okay. But whose faithfulness? His or mine?

In a eco-system of prevailing wickedness and wrongdoers, am I to befriend, or literally “feed on” or “pasture within” God’s faithfulness? I think so. Kind of goes with “trust in the LORD”, doesn’t it? Whatever the day brings, especially in a culture marked by corruption and chaos, leaning into the assurance of God’s daily care and provision would seem to be not only a wise thing to do, but a necessary thing as well. Without befriending His faithfulness, not sure how we would withstand the bombardment of the world’s wickedness. So, yeah. Befriend God’s faithfulness.

But could befriend faithfulness instead be a command to become intimately familiar with being faithful? A reference to my faithfulness? I think so, also. Kind of goes with “do good”, doesn’t’ it? The NASB seems to think so when it renders the exhortation as “cultivate faithfulness.” Be a friend to being faithful, even in a land that seems at war, or at the least intent on warping, the Way. Keep on keepin’ on . . . determining to make the main thing the main thing. Befriend being faithful.

So which is it? Embrace His faithfulness or link arms with a determination to exercise faithfulness? Is it His or mine? Short answer: Yes.

Isn’t that the essence of trusting? Resting in His mercies which are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23) even as I rekindle the desire to walk in those mercies in a manner worthy of my calling (Eph. 4:1)? Welcoming each day His promised, steadfast provision, while also wanting, with a Spirit-sparked determination, to follow with steadfast devotion? As someone else has said, abiding with the intent of acting? I’m thinking . . .

Trust in the LORD . . .

Befriend faithfulness . . . His and mine.

Only by His grace. Only for His glory.