Psalm 36  The first 4 verses of this psalm describe the "ungodly".  As we are reminded in the New Testament.. we have all been in this category.  David says "Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart."    Rebellion whispers to our inner selves.. and with no "fear of God".. we allow it to rule our hearts.  Jesus talked about this.. "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.. "(Matthew 15:18-19)   Jeremiah wrote, "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" ( 17:9)  Thankfully he has the answer!  "I, the Lord search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds." ( v10)  His response to this truth is a prayer that I have turned to many times.. "Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, for Thou art my praise." ( v14) 

David also turns from his thoughts of the wicked.. to the source of his hope.. "Thy lovingkindness, O Lord extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies."  I love this verse! I am reminded that there is no limit to God's greatness!  There is a limit to wickedness.. but not to the abundance of God's love and faithfulness.  It is not just a dusting.. it is not even knee-deep!  His goodness goes beyond our atmosphere and fills the universe! This is our source of hope.  May we never doubt it or forget it!

David goes on to describe God's righteousness.. "like the mountains of God".  We love to go up into the Smoky Mountains.  When we start to get closer and begin to see the peaks.. each bigger than the one before..it takes my breath away.  I imagine the mountains in Israel are like that too.  David knew those mountains so well.   Mount Sinai is described as  massive, rocky cliffs.. and there is where the Lord's presence was made known to Moses and all of Israel. His righteousness is beautiful and majestic and enduring.. 

"Thy judgements are like a great deep.."  David goes on.  An ocean that cannot be fathomed. Paul wrote, "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and unfathomable His ways!" ( Romans 11:33)  Our great and gracious Savior is perfectly just in His judgements.. and by the blood of Jesus who has paid the price for us we know this Truth.. "Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. ( Micah 7:18-19)

"How precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God!" With David we sing praises to our gracious God in whom we can take refuge.. who gives us "abundance" from His hands.. who allows us to drink "of the river of [His] delights.. Who is the "fountain of life" and the Light of the world. 

Father, we thank You for revealing the heights of Your love and the depths of Your mercy.  Cleanse our hearts of all rebellion and wickedness.. throw our sins into the sea.  Remove all iniquity and fill us with Your righteousness.. for we worship You alone.  Fill us now with Your Spirit that we might live in the light of these truths..  we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.