Psalm 36 is the tale of three hearts:  the wicked (vv. 1-4), the Lord (vv. 5-9), and the righteous (10-12).  One could say, this psalm shows us what separates a wicked and righteous heart.  It is the Lord!  David begins this psalm by explaining the sinful wicked heart.  It does not fear God (v. 1), flatters themselves (v. 2a), does not detect or hate sin (v. 2b), speaks wicked and deceitfulness (v. 3a), fails to act wisely and do good (v. 3b), plots evil (v. 4a), commit to a sinful course (v. 4b), and does not reject wrong (v. 4c).  This is someone who not only does evil, but approves, desires, and plans for more of it.  Their evil heart has spewed the venom of sin through their mind, words, and actions.

The Lord can change the vilest of hearts.  The love that flows from His pure and perfect heart knows no limits reaching to the heavens (v. 5a).  His faithfulness, righteousness, justice, and shelter are vast and expansive (vv. 5-6).  What the wicked hearts spends on pursuing evil pales in comparison to the pricelessness of the Lord’s love (v. 7a).  If only they would take refuge in Him (v. 7b), feast and drink from His abundance (v. 8) and see His goodness (v. 9).  Those who seek more from the wickedness that comes from the devil are deceived and never satisfied.  He only brings death and destruction!  If they would only turn to the Lord Who is a fountain of life (v. 9) they would be refreshed and fulfilled!

Those who do seek the righteousness that comes from the Lord know Him and His great love (v. 10).  The Lord protects them from the range (hand to foot) of evil set against them (v. 11).  The upright in heart (v. 10) will be victorious over the wicked who “lie fallen, thrown down, not able to rise” (v. 12).  The loving heart of the Lord is a shelter for those whose hearts are His!

Questions:

1. Is your heart set on wickedness or righteousness?
2. Do you seek evil and find yourself unsatisfied? 
3. Have you turned to the Lord, the refreshing “fountain of life” (v. 9)?

Prayer:

Lord, help my wicked heart seek after You.  Your heart is pure and perfect, and I desire You to cleanse my heart.  Help me to seek Your righteousness and not the deceitful wickedness of the devil.  Only You bring satisfaction and fulfillment.  Help me to be upright in heart.  May my words, actions, thoughts, and intentions flow from a righteous heart connected to Your loving heart.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.