A Spring That Cannot Be Drained

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

They are ever giving liberally and lending, and their children become a blessing.

Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever.

—Psalm 37:25-27

I am bothered by this portion of Psalm 37, since—in today's world, at least—the righteous and their children are all too often found among those who go hungry. I see, however, that I am in good company, since a commentator no less respected than Calvin himself found this verse perplexing. He goes on to relate verse 27 to verse 25 in this way:

Although daily experience shows us that the children of God do not as yet inherit the earth, yet, according to the measure of our faith, we feel how efficacious the blessing of God is, which, like a spring that cannot be drained, flows continually.

If you're intent on proving the Bible to be untrue, then this will do nothing to convince you otherwise. But for me it is sufficient to know that temporal and spiritual blessings are unequal when compared to each other. It is a greater blessing to be nourished by the body of Christ than enjoy a royal banquet in Buckingham Palace.

Perhaps if I ever find myself begging for bread I will change my mind. But I'll pray not to.

Keep me satisfied with what little I have, O God; make me generous in sharing the blessings you have given me; and keep me true to your word, that I will no matter what desire to delight in your will above all other things. To that end, I'll pray as your Son taught me: Our Father...