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REFLECTIONS
Spiritual strength

Sarah Kaetler

Psalm 37:5

In our Saturday German school classes in the 1930s, many of us immigrant children who had landed in Canada were taught a song based on Psalm 37:5 “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (KJV). There were two purposes for these Saturday classes: to preserve the German language in our new-English speaking culture and to retain our faith in the living God who had so graciously led us thus far.

Our teacher, a godly man who had gone through great hardships, having lost his dear wife through cancer, seemed to gain spiritual strength each time this song was sung. What is so significant about this song is that it is God’s Word, and His Word will not fail to accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 55:11). There are three parts to it. The first part, which tells us to “commit” our way to the Lord, is the easier one. We sing. “Are you weary, are you heavy hearted? Tell it to Jesus.” The second part, which tells us to “trust”, is the hard part for some. It is here the test lies. The final part of the verse is not for us to fulfill. That’s where God comes in. He takes over. He always has, and He always will. The answer will come, for we serve a living God.

Paul Gerhardt, a German songwriter born in 1607, suffered great persecution for his faith. He was so inspired by Psalm 37:5 that he wrote a song of 12 verses based on it, beginning each verse with a different word from Psalm 37:5. When we reflect on our own trials in life, this Scripture is capable of giving us profound strength.

Reflections is a column of brief reflections on Scripture passages. This one is by Sarah Kaetler of Clearbrook MB church in Abbotsford, B.C. Freelance submissions for Reflections (200-250 words in length) are welcome.

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Last modified April 2, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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