By John Richardson
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 36:1–7
[1] Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.
[2] For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
[3] The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
[4] He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.
[5] Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
[6] Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD.
[7] How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
OBSERVATION
The actions of an evil man/woman are birthed in their hearts, because the fear of God does not reside in their hearts. Before the transgressor’s eyes, God is not present. We know deep in our hearts if we fear God or live as though He doesn’t exist. Being locked in our homes is a great space to look deep in our hearts and actions to see if we are guided by God.
- One can measure the treasures of their heart by actions and plans, pressed toward God’s kingdom or their own. David writes from a space of being a “man after God’s own heart” and he gives a path to understanding one’s heart. David sees the transgressions and desires to express the contrast of a loving God (vv. 1-4). Man is sinful apart from God.
- Where David pens the heart of man sets a very stark contrast to the glory of God. God’s consistent/persistent love stretches to lengths unimaginable, to the heavens. God’s love fills the sky like clouds which go on forever. The vision of God that David has is one to be emulated in sincerity. God’s love extends even in the transgressions of man in which God is patiently working.
- The sinfulness of man does not stand over the ways of God; the judgments that God is executing right now are moving forward. The heart of man is in need of saving, and God alone can save man from the wickedness of their hearts. In the flattery of man in his own eyes, God saves man from their sin and from themselves. Sin is not just something that people do; it is the nature of who we are without God. God doesn’t leave us to our sin (v. 6).
- Verse 7 stands as a keystone to the wickedness of man and the salvation of God. God’s gracious love is the propelling factor of His salvation to man. We should sing daily about the love of God, thanking Him for not leaving us to our own hearts and plans.
OBEDIENCE
Knowing our hearts from God’s Word, we are moved to be vessels of praise to God. God’s love moves us to worship and obedience. When current circumstances begin to crowd out our reflection on who God is and what He has done, we need a constant reminder. Psalms is a book that draws our hearts back to God.
- Make a list this week about what God has done for you—saving you and working each day to show His love. A list should be posted to keep sight of God’s love and kindness.
- Read through Psalms this week. Share your favorite ones with others.
- Though our words aren’t God’s Word, we should take some time and write our own song/psalm to God. Make this a family/household event that can be shared.
PRAYER
Send praise to God this week, thanking Him for your salvation. If you are not a believer, cry out to God to be saved, and share that decision with someone else. Ask God to reveal your heart and the sin in it more clearly, so you may turn and repent, trusting His love more than your heart.
