Day 48 The Contrast Between Wickedness & God’s Love Reflections on Psalm 36

The Contrast Between Wickedness & God’s Love

by Torrie Slaughter

📖 "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." — Psalm 36:5

Devotional Thought:

David paints two striking pictures in this Psalm. On one side, he describes the heart of the wicked—people who deceive themselves, reject wisdom, and do evil without remorse (verses 1-4). But then, he shifts to the unfailing love of God—a love that is vast, deep, and overflowing (verses 5-9).

As we delve into this passage, may it stir our hearts and awaken us to the profound depths of God's mercy and grace.

Verse 1 begins with a stark contrast between the wickedness of humanity and the righteousness of God. It paints a picture of a world where evil reigns, where people have turned away from God and pursue their own desires without regard for His ways. In the midst of such darkness, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened.

But even in the face of such wickedness, the Psalmist declares, "I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes."

It's crucial for us to recognize that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). When we truly understand who God is—His holiness, His justice, His love—we can't help but approach Him with reverence and awe. This fear isn't about cowering before a vengeful deity; rather, it's about recognizing our own smallness in comparison to His greatness and living in accordance with His will.

In verses 5-7, we see a beautiful depiction of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. His righteousness is like the highest mountains, His justice like the great deep. He cares for all His creation, both humans and animals alike. His love is boundless, His mercy endless. In the shadow of His wings, we find refuge and shelter from the storms of life. What a comforting image! No matter what challenges we face, we can take refuge in the steadfast love of our Heavenly Father.

No matter how dark the world gets, God’s love is bigger. His righteousness, justice, and faithfulness outshine and outlast the schemes of the wicked.

Are you resting in God’s love today, or are you distracted by the chaos around you?

Action Step:

Meditate on Psalm 36:7 and remind yourself that you are safe under the shadow of God’s wings.