The Endless Love and Justice of God
Insights from Psalm 36
Psalm 36 is a profound meditation on the contrast between human wickedness and the infinite love, faithfulness, and justice of God. Despite our fallen nature, God lavishes His love on those who seek Him. Written by David, this psalm takes us from the depths of human depravity to the heights of God’s unwavering goodness, inviting us to reflect on the glorious attributes of our Creator.
1. Indifference Toward God: A Path to Destruction (Verses 1-4)
David opens with a grim depiction of the wicked: "There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Psalm 36:1, NIV). This sets the stage for the first section of the psalm, where David describes those who have turned away from God. These individuals deceive themselves into thinking their sins will go unnoticed. Without a fear of God, they lack wisdom and understanding, choosing instead to plan and pursue evil while completely disregarding God’s ways.
David reveals the spiritual blindness and arrogance of those who turn from God. Their indifference is a form of self-deception; they are so consumed with self-flattery that they do not see their own faults. This indifference towards God often stems from pride, where one convinces themselves that they do not need God and can live life on their own terms. Such an attitude reflects a self-centered worldview, rendering God irrelevant and echoing the original sin of humanity: Adam and Eve's desire to be like God in Genesis 3, trusting their own judgment over God's. This rebellion continues to afflict the human heart.
David also highlights how indifference can lead to self-deception. Those who turn from God lose their ability to recognize their own sin, becoming spiritually blind and lacking godly fear or reverence. As C.S. Lewis observed, "A proud man is always looking down on things and people, and of course, as long as you're looking down, you cannot see something that is above you." When we stop seeking God’s guidance and truth, we are left with nothing but our flawed perspective.
David notes that the Wicked's words (verse 3) are deceitful and disconnected from reality. Turning away from God is living a lie that will eventually unravel. David further explains that their wickedness extends even to their beds, indicating a progression: it starts with self-conceit, which evolves into self-deception, and then into dishonesty and cruelty. What begins as overconfidence in self-sufficiency turns into willful wickedness. Sin, when left unchecked, grows; overconfidence leads to moral compromise, which becomes habitual, leading to active engagement in evil without remorse. The mind becomes darkened (Romans 1:21) and the conscience seared (1 Timothy 4:2). Dishonesty becomes a way of life, and cruelty follows naturally from disregarding God’s ways.
Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 3:18: "There is no fear of God before their eyes." The essence of human sinfulness is the absence of reverence for God. When people reject God as their moral standard, they fall into corruption and self-deception. As John 3:19 tells us, "People loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" (NIV). This serves as a sobering reminder that without a relationship with God, humanity drifts into spiritual darkness, estranged from the light of God’s truth.
As David describes, sin is like a spiritual cancer: it starts small but eventually permeates one's character, affecting thoughts, actions, and relationships. We must remain humble and dependent on God, always recognizing our need for His truth and grace to avoid falling into the self-deception of sin.
2. The Immeasurable Goodness of God (Verses 5-9)
In stark contrast to human wickedness, David lifts his gaze to the boundless attributes of God: "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." (Psalm 36:5-6, NIV).
Through rich, poetic imagery, David highlights the vastness of God’s love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice. His love extends to the heavens—immeasurable and infinite. His faithfulness reaches the skies, showing that God is eternally reliable. His righteousness stands firm like towering mountains, and His justice is as deep as the oceans—profound and unsearchable.
What stands out in this passage is how God's love and justice are intertwined. Theologian Nicholas Wolterstorff puts it well, stating that justice is a natural expression of love. God's justice is not only about punishing evil but also about restoring the broken, defending the oppressed, and bringing healing, all grounded in His profound love for creation.
As a result, we can live without fear of those who commit evil, knowing that God’s justice will prevail. His love assures us that He sees every wrong and will hold evildoers accountable in His perfect time. More than just judgment, God’s love promises protection and care for His people. We can rest in the confidence that He is not only with us in our present struggles but will continue to watch over us throughout eternity. His love is a constant shield, and His justice guarantees that no evil will go unchecked, offering us peace and security both in this life and forever.
3. God's Care and Abundant Provision (Verses 7-9)
David then turns to personal reflection, marveling at how God cares for those who trust in Him: "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." (Psalm 36:7-9, NIV).
Here, God is depicted as a loving protector and generous host. Those who seek refuge in Him find shelter under His wings, like a mother bird tenderly caring for her chicks. This beautiful image reflects God’s graciousness and goodness, providing not only refuge in times of trouble but also abundance for our needs. When we are oppressed and overwhelmed, we take comfort in the shadow of His wings. There, we rediscover that God not only offers protection but has prepared a feast from the abundance of His house. He invites us to drink from the river of His delights, sharing with us the things that bring Him joy.
This invitation beckons us to wonder: What are the things that delight God? As we "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8), we begin to cultivate a heart that delights in what pleases Him—pure and righteous living, love, and mercy. Feasting at His table and drinking from His river of delights symbolize the deep joy and fulfillment that come from truly knowing and walking with God.
As we reflect on the powerful image of the fountain of life in this psalm, we are reminded of Jesus' invitation in John 7:37: "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink." This imagery symbolizes the pure, life-giving water that refreshes and cleanses our souls. Just as physical water revitalizes our bodies, Jesus offers spiritual nourishment for those who are parched from the emptiness of life without Him.
In this image, we can picture the clear, flowing waters of a fountain, constantly refreshing and renewing, much like the grace and mercy Jesus offers us. The fountain of life represents more than just a temporary quenching of thirst—it is an endless source of renewal, giving us spiritual vitality day by day.
By offering this invitation, Jesus reminds us that His love and grace are abundant, always available, and able to cleanse, restore, and sustain us through every trial. We are not only made whole in this life, but we are also granted the assurance of life everlasting. In Him, our thirst for purpose, peace, and fulfillment is quenched, leaving us eternally refreshed in His presence.
4. A Prayer for God’s Continued Love and Protection (Verses 10-12)
David concludes the psalm with a heartfelt prayer: "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." (Psalm 36:10-11, NIV).
David seeks God’s ongoing protection and grace, recognizing that while God is just and loving, there is still opposition from the wicked. He prays for deliverance, trusting that God’s righteousness will guard him from the dangers posed by the proud and corrupt.
This prayer reveals David’s dependence on God’s steadfast love and righteousness as his shield against evil. It’s a call for us to lean on God’s strength and protection, knowing that in the face of challenges, He is faithful to watch over us.
Conclusion: Reflecting on God's Boundless Love and Justice
Psalm 36 invites us to contemplate the unmatched greatness of God’s love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice. While humanity is often mired in sin and darkness, God’s character remains pure and unwavering. His love stretches beyond our comprehension, and His justice brings restoration and healing.
As we meditate on this psalm, let us remember to trust in God’s unfailing love, seek refuge in His protection, and drink deeply from the abundance He provides. In God, we find the “fountain of life” and the “light” that guides us through the shadows of the world.
May we, like David, rest in the shadow of His wings, secure in the knowledge that God’s love and justice reign supreme—now and forever.
