Psalm 37 - When I'm Tired of "Hanging in There"

Summer in the Psalms

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Hang in there!

It's a phrase we hear quite a bit and likely even use to try to encourage another not to give up hope, but is it really that encouraging? Is it really that hopeful?

We know Hope has a name and His name is Jesus, so this means we gotta go to scripture to see what it has to say about this. To help us, my friend, Cheri Fletcher, is sharing her reflection of Psalm 37 with us.

Cheri Fletcher is an inspiring writer, compelling speaker, and the host of the Your Spiritual Game Plan podcast. Dedicated to guiding others through life's challenges, Cheri helps people discover their God-given calling and empowers them to glorify Him in every role they serve. Cheri has faced numerous changes and transitions, each feeling like a piece of her identity left with each role. Drawing from her own journey of transitions and personal loss, she offers unique insights into overcoming obstacles and understanding spiritual warfare. From these experiences, she has come to know that her roles in life will change, but her purpose is eternal!

Cheri and her husband, Todd, relocated from Seattle to Cleveland, TN in 2020. They are the proud parents of two newly married sons, a cherished daughter who passed away in 2023, and a loyal canine companion named Libby. Despite life's unexpected turns, Cheri finds delight in life's simple pleasures—sharing walks with friends, exploring new places, and practicing heartfelt hospitality. True to her love for hospitality, she's always ready to invite others into her home for coffee, regardless of whether the kitchen is "picture-perfect." You can find out more about Cheri on her website, Cherifletcher.com

Cliche responses like "everything happens for a reason" or "time heals all wounds" can unintentionally dismiss someone's pain when they desperately seek to make sense of their crisis. When a person is struggling to understand a traumatic event or seeking justice for what happened, these empty platitudes can feel especially hollow. 

By offering these easy answers, we minimize their experience and create distance between ourselves and their suffering - effectively abandoning them when they most need genuine connection, understanding, and even wisdom.

Our Psalm today offers that connection and understanding, and it's called a Psalm of Wisdom.

I want to get honest with you about something deeply personal – a moment of profound revelation I had while studying Psalm 37 during one of the most challenging seasons of my life.Our family was in the middle of a legal battle and grieving the loss of our daughter. In all this chaos, I found myself diving deep into Psalm 37 for today’s reflection.

At first, I'll be honest - I was reading it like a script for vindication. 

Those early verses about the wicked withering away? They felt like exactly what I needed to hear. I started listing out the psalm's commands like a spiritual to-do list: Don't be agitated, trust in the Lord, take delight and commit your ways.

I was certain God was going to show up and make everything right. Those verses about the wicked borrowing and not repaying? About those blessed by the Lord inheriting the land? I thought, "This is my moment. This is our vindication."

But then something remarkable happened.

I stumbled on verses 23 and 24:

A person's steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed because the Lord supports him with his hand. - Psalm 37:23-24

The Lord Holds him!

Suddenly, my perspective completely shifted.

Let me tell you about a phrase I've grown to despise: "Hang in there." 

People mean well, but when you're drowning in grief or going through a hard time, "hang in there" feels like you’re being left alone, dangling. 

But God? God's not telling us to hang. He's saying, "I'm holding you."

This is a message that I’ve spoken on even before our daughter passed away.

For me, being "held" looked like real, tangible love. Friends who flew across the country. Friends who sat with me in silence. Friends who brought food when cooking felt impossible. These weren't people telling me to hang in there - they were people actually holding me in there. 

Those verses spoke directly to me during our legal battle: "I've established your steps. Even when you fall, you won't be overwhelmed. I'm holding you."

The enemy wants me to think I’m hanging, losing the battle, and the wicked has one up on me!

I remembered something I always tell people when they use that dreaded "hang in there" phrase. I say, "I'm not hanging. I'm held." 

It's a profound difference. Not just surviving but being actively supported.

This psalm isn't about waiting for revenge or keeping score. It's about understanding that in our most broken moments, we're not alone. The world might feel like it's spinning out of control, but there's a steady hand holding us.

The psalm ends with this beautiful promise: "The Lord helps and delivers us... because we take refuge in him."

God does not give us cliche responses. He gives us promises, wisdom and assurance!

If you feel like wrong keeps winning, are overwhelmed by loss, feel as if you're barely keeping it together, or are tired of the same old cliche answers to your pain, I want you to hear this: You're not hanging in there! You are held!

Now, It's Your Turn!

I challenge you to take a moment to pray, then read or listen to Psalm 37 today. Think about what stands out to you. Consider writing down a statement of faith. It may help to think of this as an I-statement. Maybe yours is similar to Cheri's:

I am not hanging. My assurance is not based on the strength of my grip. I am held. My assurance is based on the strength of God's hand.

Then, jot down a question to think about today. Maybe yours is similar to Cheri's:

How have I seen God establish my steps in the past? How can this quick look in the rearview mirror help me trust God is holding me now?

May this reflection lead our hearts to gratitude and praise today and may we stand in victory against the tactics and schemes of the enemy.

And praise God for refreshment as we are intentional to spend a summer in the Psalms together, for if we want His truth to ever be on our lips, it must first be planted in our hearts.

Our strength grows as we rely on strength from above. Our joy grows as we see God transforming us from the inside out. Our peace grows as we spend time in God's presence, and we find rest when we intentionally seek the Lord first in our lives, for the Lord is ever our portion.

The good life, well it starts with a good day. Then another. Then another. Let's choose to live #TheGoodDay one day at a time.