Friday 31 May, 2013

1 Here are the words God has given me to say about the evil ways of anyone who sins. He doesn’t have any respect for God. 2 He praises himself so much that he can’t see his sin or hate it. 3 His mouth speaks words that are evil and false. He has stopped being wise. He has stopped doing good. 4 Even as he lies in bed he makes evil plans. He commits himself to a sinful way of life. He never says no to what is wrong. 5 Lord, your love is as high as the heavens. Your faithful love reaches up to the skies. 6 You are as holy as the mountains are high. You are as honest as the oceans are deep. Lord, you keep people and animals safe. 7 How priceless your faithful love is! Important and ordinary people alike find safety in the shadow of your wings. 8 They eat well because there is more than enough in your house. You let them drink from your river that flows with good things. 9 You have the fountain of life. We are filled with light because you give us light. 10 Keep on loving those who know you. Keep on doing right to those whose hearts are honest. 11 Don’t let the feet of those who are proud step on me. Don’t let the hands of those who are evil drive me away. 12 See how those who do evil have fallen! They are thrown down. They aren’t able to get up.

David seems to write this Psalm with groups of people in mind. He writes the word “Their” in relation to the evil and sin of others (v1-4). He writes the word “You” – relating to the goodness of God (v5-10). Lastly, he writes the word “me” – relating to David’s request for help (v11).

I sometimes read the Psalms in this way. The bad stuff is for others and the good stuff relates to me. In truth, all of it relates to me. If I’m honest I would have to admit that sometimes ‘sin whispers deep within my heart’ and ‘I cannot see how wicked I really am’. (v1-2)

But this reality makes the “unfailing love” of God so much more amazing. It’s in spite of my wickedness that He loves me. And then, in a stroke of genius, he breaks the power of sin in my life through Jesus’ death and resurrection from the grave. Rom 7:24-25

Now there is a bond between my Heavenly Father and I because of Jesus. It will never be broken. He will provide for me
“from the abundance of His own house” and for all my days and all eternity I will “drink from His river of delights”. This gospel is completely amazing!

Heavenly Father, your salvation of my life leaves me lost for words. Help me understand it, worship as I should because of it, and help others embrace it also.

Written by Boudy van Noppen