God's Righteousness

The first of two parts to this psalm (versesn1-4) is about human wickedness. Sin is self-absorbed and suffocating(verse 2).That is in contrast(verses 5-9) to the towering goodness and righteousness of God which is incredibly expansive–as high as the heavens (verse 5), majestic as the mountains (verse 6), and limitless as the oceans (verse 6). It is precious and an endless delight; to take refuge in, feast on, drink from and worship (verses 7-8). The writer closes with a prayer (verses 10-11).

 

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

 

Click here to access the reading from Psalm 36:1-12

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REFLECTION

 

Refuge in His Faithfulness

by Nancy Gleeson

Undoubtedly, some among us are not happy about the election results.  We fear our country is headed in the wrong direction. We wonder about our financial future and question what social issues can truly be resolved. In the aftermath, is the division and hatred just going to continue? The reality is that evil is corrupting our nation and it is not driven by members of a certain political party. And unfortunately, no government can eliminate it.

What has to be fixed is the sinful nature in each of us. Our only hope is that God will intervene! Mankind needs more reverence for God and hearts need to be changed. We need not be concerned that our President is unable to do what needs done. Our destiny is in the hands of the Almighty God and those who put all faith in Him do not need to be disappointed or afraid.  For His love reaches to the heavens and His faithfulness to the skies. Take refuge in the shadow of His wings.

Psalm 36:1-12

I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:

There is no fear of God before their eyes.

In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.

The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good.

Even on their beds they plot evil they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep.

You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life, in your light we see light.

Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. 

May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

See how the evildoers lie fallen - thrown down, not able to rise!

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - MONDAY 

HUMILITY: “Soften our hearts to one another. Give us eyes to see our common humanity, each of us and all of us created in your image, and give us the gift of empathy, to care deeply about one another.”