Weds 22nd April - Psalm 36
Psalm 36
1 I have a message from God in my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God before their eyes.2 In their own eyes they flatter themselves
too much to detect or hate their sin.
3 The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful;
they fail to act wisely or do good.
4 Even on their beds they plot evil;
they commit themselves to a sinful course
and do not reject what is wrong.5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast in the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.10 Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 See how the evildoers lie fallen –
thrown down, not able to rise!
- - -
This is a Psalm of clear contrasts.
1. The sinfulness of sin
2. The grace of God
3. The personal prayer
1. THE SINFULNESS OF SIN vs. 1-4
David refers to ‘a message from God in my heart.’
This may be described as ‘an oracle’ which is a message that God would speak through a prophet. It’s not clear from the original whether David is speaking about
himself or the wicked person – even the righteous person sins.
The difference is how I respond to sin. These opening verses don’t make pleasant reading as he gives the characteristics of the wicked.
no fear of God before their eyes. This is not lack of reverence but no dread of God who ‘is a consuming fire.’ (Hebrews 12:29)
they don’t even know they are sinning
their words are wicked and deceitful
their activities are unwise and not good
they plan a sinful course
they don’t reject what is wrong
(cf Psalm 14:1-3; Romans 1:18-32 and 3:9-18)
2. THE GRACE OF GOD vs.5-9
David now turns to the positives as he talks about our glorious God.
His character:
o His love
o His faithfulness
o His righteousness
o His justice
What a contrast to the wicked.
His care:
o His UNFAILING love – just dwell on that for a while – it is priceless
o His protection – in Him we can take refuge
o His provision – He provides life-giving food and water and light
(cf. John 4:13-14; 6:35; 8:12)
o He is our foundation for life
What a great God He is.
He is our Heavenly Father as we trust in Jesus who brings us to God through His death and resurrection and He will one day bring us to heaven to be with Him for ever.
3. THE PERSONAL PRAYER vs. 10-12
Lord – continue your love and your righteousness to your people
Lord – protect us from the attacks of the evil one
Lord – thank you that you have and you will win the victory over the evil one.
God is good – All the time.
(R.P.)
You might also enjoy listening to this song by Third Day, based on this Psalm.
Daily Readings
Thursday 23rd April - Psalm 37
Friday 24th April - Psalm 38
Saturday 25th April - Psalm 39
Sunday 26th April - Psalm 40
Monday 27th April - Psalm 41
Tuesday 28th April - Psalm 42