Copy of Psalm Book PDF

Psalm 36

“Can we go now?” asked Noah. With a slight frown, Mom nodded her head. As the kids scattered in different directions, Dad rolled his eyes and muttered, “Well, that went great.” Mom and Dad had been trying to engage Elizabeth and Noah into a rhythm of daily morning devotions during the summer. It had proven challenging.

The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his

side. - G.K. Chesterton

“I think we need a different plan of attack,” Mom said, already reaching for her notebook, pen, and Bible.

The next morning, Dad read aloud Psalm 36. “Noah, you will be responsible for verses 1-4, and Elizabeth, you have verses 5-9. You have thirty minutes to design a poster that illustrates your assigned verses.” Thirty minutes later, all four family members stood staring at the two posters taped side by side on the wall. The first poster, representing verses 1-4, was dark, with slashes of black and red, the images sharp and chaotic. The second poster, demonstrating verses 5-9, was beautiful, with pictures of mountains and oceans, a hen protecting her chicks, a fountain, and light, lots and lots of light. It was hard to deny how effective the psalmist had been in contrasting the nature of the wicked versus the nature of God. The psalmist, David, creates a snapshot of the fallen human heart and how sin expresses itself in words and deeds. The wicked have no fear of God (vs 1) and can not see their own sin (vs 2). They use deceitful words (vs 3), plot evil, and do not reject what is wrong (vs 4). The sinner has a lack of understanding of who God is, and sin flatters the sinner into thinking he really isn’t all that bad. That same sin deceives the sinner into actually planning and pursuing it. David then abruptly shifts to focus on God and his immense, impressive, and intimate love. David shared the biggest things that he would have been aware of from his own observations: the heavens, the skies, the mountains, the deep seas, the river, and the light, but he also showed the smallest gesture of intimacy as the mother bird covers her chicks with her wings. The greatness of God revealed to us - His love, faithfulness (v. 5), righteousness, justice, preservation (v. 6), refuge (v. 7), abundance, delight (v. 8), and life (v. 9). Our loving God will deliver us from the wicked. We need not fear people because we know God loves us and will judge all evil (v. 10 12). Contrast matters. Contrast gives things meaning. A bright light only looks bright because of the shadow around it. Joy feels stronger when it comes after sadness. Contrast helps people pay attention. Without it, everything blends together. Nothing stands out. God’s character, who He is from beginning to end, from first to last, stands out against the darkness of the wicked, because “for with you is the fountain of life: in your light we see light (v9). As G.K. Chesterton said, everyone must make his or her choice. Which side will you serve? Choose light, choose life.