May 21, 2024 - Psalms 36-40

The Bible is full of contrasts:  the blind vs. those who see, the lame vs. those who walk, the world vs. God’s kingdom, goats vs. sheep, etc.  Here’s another. 

There are those who reject the Lord and go their own wicked way:  “Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.   For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated” (36:1-2).  And, then, there are those who testify, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! . . . For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light” (36:7-9).  How good it is to know the God of whom David speaks!

O Lord, Thy mercy, my sure hope,

The highest orb of heaven transcends;

Thy sacred truth's unmeasured scope

Beyond the spreading sky extends.

Thy justice like the hills remains,

Unfathomed depths Thy judgments are;

Thy providence the world sustains,

The whole creation is Thy care.

With Thee the springs of life remain,

Thy presence is eternal day;

O let Thy saints Thy favour gain,

To upright hearts Thy truth display.   –Anonymous (1789)