Psalm 36

1 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

Key Verse:
5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

Key Outline:
1. v. 1-4 The Wicked Plot
2. v. 5-9 Praise for God’s Goodness
3. v. 10-12 Prayer for protection from the wicked

Key Observation:
Though the wicked plot their devices come to naught,
Looking to the Lord, the righteous soared.

Memory Verse:
10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

Devotion:
David, servant of Jehovah, writes this psalm. I agree with McGee and David: “Lord, do not let me fall into the hands of the wicked.” I think of Nehemiah when he was trying to rebuild the temple, and wicked men arose against him. Nehemiah orders his people thus:

“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Do not be afraid. Your Lord and your God has promised by the highest oath possible, Himself, that you will be protected. Not always in battle, not always in disease, not always in this life; but always ultimately. He has given His Word, swearing by Himself, for there is none greater, to protect your soul forever.

We have the promise of new bodies, and of being clothed in white robes. We will be able to spend all of eternity with Him, and with each other. I always tell my friends: “You don’t like me now? You think I am a bit odd and quirky? Well, don’t worry about it. Just get used to me- after all, you have all of eternity to be stuck with me.” But that is not quite true- we are stuck with each other—but in our glorified bodies I don’t think my friends will find me quite so bothersome.

What a glory we have been given! Though we suffer defeat in this life, what is that to victory for eternity? “For with Thee is the fountain of life.”