Psalm 36

Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in their hearts; before their eyes. 2For they flatter themselves in their own eyes that their iniquity cannot be found out and hated. 3The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit; they have ceased to act wisely and do good. 4They plot mischief while on their beds; they are set on a way that is not good; they do not reject evil.
5Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. 6Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgements are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.

Lord,
The poet must have had a really bad day! Somebody must have done something really bad to him. The “Transgressors” were scheming and plotting and lying and willing to do anything, no matter how unethical or immoral or just plain evil, to destroy the poet, or so the poet thought.

Thank you that this experience of betrayal is not something that happens every day but it is an experience that every mature person knows first hand. Some trusted person turns out not to be trustworthy. Some sacred promise is broken. An ally turns his or her back or simply stands on the sideline and watches as you struggle for your life. We all know some version of the story and we all know the deep and bitter disappointment that brings.

In the midst of that bitter sorrow and deep anger the poet turns to you Lord and reflects on the nature of your love. His description of your love, Lord, is an eternal reminder of the only place where trust will never be violated.

Let me meditate on the words and phrases:
Steadfast love
Extends to the heavens
Faithfulness
Righteousness
Judgments that save humans and animals alike

Thank you God for being you.

Personal Prayers:
Ask God to continually remind you of the steadfast trustworthiness of God’s love.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.