David had a variety of experiences
concerning life. In Psalm 36, he shows his deep insight concerning the
propensity of fallen men. However, what’s more heartening is the insight he has
concerning God - His faithfulness and magnanimity. In this composition, David
described God’s character and works, and offered praise for them. And as His
people we are truly and deeply blessed, hence we must make up our minds to
celebrate our perfect God.
In verses 1-4, David painted for us
a sombre and depressive picture of the wicked. This we know is not just an intellectual
or theoretical argument. David was all too familiar with his conclusion. It is
true that the wicked has no fear of God. And it’s true that they live life
without any reference to or reverence for God. What they can only see will be
themselves. Their one pursue in life is to indulge in all sorts of desires to
gratify their carnal nature. In their perspective, there isn’t any thought for
God. They are blind to God and His existence. And this blindness will lead them
to see themselves more than who they truly are. They would butter themselves up
in their own eyes and unwittingly end up being
haters of God, and truly they are.
Fortunately as the thoughts of the
pure audaciousness of the wicked swirled about in David’s mind, he shifted His
thoughts toward a subject more deliciously gratifying. He chose to consider the
mercy of God. The reason is obvious. Had it not been for the mercy of God, he
himself would be attracted by the wicked and share their values and lifestyle. So
wisely, his mind shifted to view God and His mercy. It is not possible to see
the mercy of God without considering His faithfulness. And thinking about His
faithfulness leads to the conclusion that God is indeed true and righteous. And
His righteousness is as stable and formidable and awe-inspiring as the
mountains. Because He is merciful, faithful, and righteous, He is able to act
and judge honorably in His providential care to preserve His creatures – both
man and beast.
As David pondered God’s loving-kindness, he used five figures to
show us God’s faithfulness and magnanimity. (1) The shadow of God’s wings gives
us security. We can never be safer anywhere than under the shadow of His wings.
(2) The abundance of His house indicates His provision. It is His Word and redeeming
love that continually sustain us in our walk with Him. (3) The river of delight
tells us that true joy can only be found closely connected to God. (4) The
fountain of life is God’s source to a marvelous and challenging life. In Him
we find endless and limitless supplies of strength, wisdom and guidance to living.
(5) His light is amply supplied through His Word. And we never need to grope in
darkness if we come to Him through His Word.
These rich thoughts concerning God then led David to his conclusion
in prayer in verses 10-12. He asked to be sustained in Him. He knew that should
he become prideful he might entertain the thought that God owes it to him to
bless him. Like David, we should never take God for granted, thinking that He
owes it to us to bless us. Remember that pride is a manifestation of
ingratitude. And that’s an attitude we must shun at all cost. And we must never
be distracted by the seeming affluence and opulence of the wicked and be enticed
to doubt the mercy of God. Just like David, we need to pray for level-headedness.
What we must remember is this: no matter how prosperous the wicked may be, they
are already under divine judgement. So don’t waste time and energy in envying
them!
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