Psalm 36 - How Wonderful!

Psalm 36:1-9

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 on 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.

Psalm 36 is a comparison of the nature of arrogant people who have no fear of God, and the God who is the fountain of life.

The wicked listen to their sinful thoughts in their hearts. Rather than turning away from sinful temptation, they spend much time thinking about sinning, until sin becomes their natural state of being. They are too over confident to even consider that what they do is sinful. They dream about sinning and the commit themselves to doing what they've pondered upon so intently.

But God is righteous. His ways are never evil. His love is immense, reaching far beyond the skies. His love is so big, God loves the wicked who ignore Him and have no time for Him. The psalmist celebrates God's love, faithfulness, righteousness, and protection. He acknowledges how God abundantly provides for all who take refuge in Him. God opens our eyes to see reality as it is, not blinded like the arrogant who cannot see past themselves and their own evil ambitions.

How priceless to know the unfailing love of God! How satisfying to take shelter in Him!

The next time mean people get you down, remember first that they are created in God's image and filled with divine potential, just as you are. Remember that God loves them and Christ died for them too! Instead of spending time hating them or fretting over their sinful ways, turn your thoughts to the big love of God and worship Him. Then you will be free to pray for you enemies.