8/5/20 - Psalm 36: The Depths of a Depraved Heart

 

Psalm 36:1-4

 

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.

The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;

he has ceased to act wisely and do good.

He plots trouble while on his bed;

he sets himself in a way that is not good;

he does not reject evil.

 

These verses shed light on how depraved the desires of the heart can become. Repeated rejection of God’s invitation, absolute determination to do my will and not God’s, to live for me and not for Him, distorts the heart (Desires) into something completely other than what was intended or created.  My assumption is that there comes a point of no return, where God agrees to finally give one what one desires, no presence. Because we are derived beings, our life comes from God, achieving that final desire results in death. Without an object an image ceases to exist...this is the end of hell, annihilation, ceasing to exist.  This too is God’s grace, there is a limit to the horror of marred image that God will allow one to endure.

 

To those who would say, but God is so judgmental. I would respond, absolutely!  He is unbending in His requirement for holiness to permit presence.  At the same time He consistently remains invitational, “whosever will may come.”  It is His judgement that provides the washing, the clean up in us of what is not holy, so we become holy and fit for presence.  His judgement is never intended for separation, it is always intended for reconciliation.  It results in separation only when we identify and desire most closely with what is not holy and are therefore consumed along with it.

 

There is great comfort and grace in the next verses of the Psalm.  Note the steadfast love, faithfulness, man and beast saved, refuge, abundance, the river of delights, the fountain of life, and the light, all offered to those who will come.  Invitation always abounds.  Grace is always given and life comes when we submit to the King.

 

Psalm 36:5-10

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;

your judgments are like the great deep;

man and beast you save, O LORD.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house,

and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;

in your light do we see light.

Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,

and your righteousness to the upright of heart!

 

Invitation to presence and community abounds, but it is not forced on anyone.  My arrogance and self will can hold out, but it does have it’s consequences, death.

 

 

Psalm 36:11-12

Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,

nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

There the evildoers lie fallen;

they are thrust down, unable to rise.

 

Lord have mercy! Christ have mercy!