Each day brings to our attention a great contrast between the world’s ways and the Word’s way. For example, the world is focused on that which is temporary and making everything pleasing to human flesh—self-centered. Wisdom and restraint are absent, because many people have no fear of the Lord [no reverence toward God or concern of His judgment]. In contrast, the eternal Word teaches Christ-followers to be focused on denying self in order to live in His righteousness, peace, and joy as we serve God and others—God-centered. Wisdom is present and enthroned, because believers understand the fear of the Lord brings protection and blessings in His care. God welcomes all into this covenant place, but it requires humble submission that leads to an eternal relationship.
In our passage today, David—servant of the Lord—proclaims the faithfulness of God and he contrasts it with those who live foolishly. God’s servants turn from sin, because he or she hates iniquity [the residue sin leaves behind in the soul that dishonors God]. Believers understand sin diminishes the character of a person, while wisdom increases character and positions a person at the table of the Lord’s loving and protective care. For this reason, the wise will praise God and seek His help through prayer. God’s unfailing love reaches to those who desire divine wisdom; those who ask for his guidance toward truth and strength for the journey.
Today, a journey sets before us. Even if we never leave the house, our souls will travel one of two paths—the path of the righteous or the path of the wicked (Ps 1:6). There is no middle ground. May we pray for the Wisdom and courage to walk in the character of Christ as a servant of the Lord.
Psalm 36
1
Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts [the core of one’s being].
They have no fear of God at all.
2
In their blind conceit,
they cannot see how wicked they really are.
3
Everything they say is crooked and deceitful.
They refuse to act wisely or do good.
4
They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots.
Their actions are never good.
They make no attempt to turn from evil.
5
Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
7
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
8
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
9
For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
10
Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you;
give justice to those with honest hearts.
11
Don’t let the proud trample me
or the wicked push me around.
12
Look! Those who do evil have fallen!
They are thrown down, never to rise again.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for removing the scales from our eyes, so we can see and examine our own hearts. We run to find shelter in the shadow of your wings, today. Feed us truth from your Word and help us drink of the Spirit, so we can grow in the wisdom of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.