Felicitations to you on this Friday morning, brother! Let us give praise to our Good God for His faithfulness in helping us through the week.Read Psalm 36. Selah.
This psalm of David opens with a brutally straightforward assessment of wicked men. Given the grievous state of the world today, there is value in our understanding the characteristics of wickedness in mankind. Although our culture would lie and tell us that “men are basically good”, we need to remember that, without the LORD, there is no righteousness in any of us. So, let us review wickedness as detailed in today’s psalm:
Wicked people do not fear god.
Wicked people flatter themselves.
Wicked people are filled with iniquity and hate.
Wicked people are deceitful.
Wicked people are cunning.
Wicked people do not hate evil.
Whew – what a list! Many people believe that the apostle Paul quoted this passage (and others) as he detailed the evil ways of men in Romans 3:10 – 18. Regardless, this scripture serves to instruct us and remind us of the desperation of man in a corrupted world – and all we need to do to gain confirmation of this wickedness is to read a few of the top news articles each morning.
But, the Light shines brightest in the dark!
Next, the psalmist turns his attention to the true goodness of the LORD, and what a contrast it is! In his psalm, David lists just some of our Good God’s benefits. We need to be constantly thankful to Him as we walk through this world that is crying out for restoration, because He has shown each of us His:
Mercy
Faithfulness
Righteousness
Justice
Protection
Lovingkindness
Trust
Abundance
Light
Steadfastness
In another psalm, David says (103:2) “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:”
Yes, my brother, as we observe evil in this world, and as we inevitably encounter wicked people, let us remember that He has shown us His favor; and never forget all of the benefits bestowed upon each of us by our Loving LORD!Bless the LORD, O my soul! Amen!
