Frequently we hear about the good life. There are competing visions and conflicting versions of the good life. After many years of experience, David writes about the good life in Psalm 37, where we find the contrast between good and evil, played out by the righteous and the wicked. After carefully reading this psalm, you will discover three instances of the word translated "good." Let's note three aspects of the good life.

First, note the good life and its challenges (Psalm 37:1-11). Beware of the envy of evildoers. Along these same lines we read in Proverbs 24:1-2, "Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking." Proverbs 24:19-20 reads, "Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out." When you are surrounded by evildoers, do good. Do not fret! Three times David exhorts, "do not fret," finally, he concludes, "it only causes harm" (Psalm 37:8). He prescribes trusting, delighting, and resting in the Lord to prevent fretting.

Second, note the good life and its champion (Psalm 37:12-26). Beware of the enmity from evildoers. David the champion writes, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed" (Psalm 37:23-26). God said, "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'" (Acts 13:22b). Certainly, David faced difficulties and hardships, but he enjoyed God's ultimate care and provision despite temporary setbacks and challenges. When you are attacked by evildoers, do good. Do not faint! Proverbs 24:10 reads, "If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small." Paul writes in Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Third, note the good life and its charge. (Psalm 37:27-40). Beware of the enticement by evildoers. David issues the following charge: "Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore" (Psalm 37:27). Correctly wielding God's Word is our defense against temptation. When you are tempted by evildoers, do good. Do not forget! David reminds us of the disastrous outcome of the wicked and delightful outcome of the righteous.
As you can see from Psalm 37, living the good life means one thing to the wicked and something totally different to the righteous. Remember Jesus "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38) and had "nowhere to lay His head" (Matthew 8:20); yet He lived the good life in its purest expression.

Are you really living the good life?

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.