As I was combing my hair a few mornings ago, I was reminded to read the Psalm sequence for that day. I mark that sequence in my Bibles every time I get a new one. Five Psalms per day, so Psalms 1-5 on the first day of the month, Psalms 6-10 on the second day, reserving that wonderful long Psalm 119 for the 31st day. I began reading the psalms like this in the 1980’s! They have taught me so much—how to pray, how to worship, the wonderful character and love of my LORD.
The Psalms God directed me to that day were Psalms 36-40. When I opened my Bible to read, I did not get past the first one. Psalm 36, written by David, is labeled in my Bible as “Human Wickedness and God’s Love.” The opening four verses and the last two are directed at Human Wickedness. Verses 5 through 10 are all about God’s love. (Suffice it to say, those are my favorite.)
Human wickedness is summarized simply. “There is no dread of God before his eyes, for in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to discover and hate his sin.” [v1a-2 HCSB]
Then David tells us that the wicked person’s words are malicious and deceptive, and their actions are unwise. They have stopped doing good and have set themselves on evil paths. They even spend nights thinking of more maliciousness.
Suddenly David turns his attention from wicked persons to the LORD, and his vision soars. “LORD, Your faithful love reaches to heaven, Your faithfulness to the clouds. Your rightness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments, like the deepest sea.” [v5-6a HCSB]
Stop and read that again. What a wonderful, faithful, holy God we serve. David goes on in the remainder of those middle verses to describe just a few of the blessings that flow from our wonderful, faithful, holy God. If you have a moment, open your Bible and read Psalm 36. Savor the words and the descriptions about our LORD. Meditate on how David’s words apply to your life today … no matter what you are facing!
God’s promises! God’s Faithful love! God’s righteousness! Amen.
