Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. Everything they say is crooked and deceitful. They refuse to act wisely or do good. They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil. Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts. Don’t let the proud trample me or the wicked push me around. Look! Those who do evil have fallen! They are thrown down, never to rise again.
Psalms 36:1-12 NLT
Love and respect go together. In the beginning of the psalm, wicked people are described as those who have no respect for God. There is a holy fear that lives in those who love and honor the Lord. God’s power and position are worthy of respect. The Creator cares for everyone—good and bad—and provides protection (v.7), provision (v.8), and His presence (v.9). Everyone is invited to a life that honors the Lord.
The psalm ends with a prayer, asking the Lord to pour out unfailing love and justice. God is the light in a world of darkness. The Lord is the fountain of life – as you wash and wade in the pool of God’s love, new life constantly flows into you. Jesus provides a living water that flows from His love inside of you (John 4:14). The most important part of the Christian life is posturing your life to receive God’s great love for you.
How are you allowing God’s love to flow into your life? How do your actions show your respect for your loving King?
