Psalm 38

Reading Psalm 38.

I notice he did not mention being perfect. He mentions desiring to follow God. "Psalm 38:9 O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you."

I seek the Lord. I love God. I want to do right. "Psalm 38:15 But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer?"

David is saying he seeks God. This seems to be enough. God forgives sin. He loves those of us who seek him. God is so merciful. And he loves it when we know that about him and have faith in his forgiveness.

This is a time in all of our lives when circumstances seem to overwhelm us. We see enemies attacking us, doing us evil for no reason. They return evil for our good. (Maybe we are not perfect. Maybe we might have provoked some of this. But we do not deserve this.) God will be our protector and shield.

David cries out to God. "Psalm 38:21-22 Do not forsake me, O LORD! O my God, be not far from me! 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!"

This is how David concludes this psalm. We trust God answered. Let us cry out too, expecting mercy. David was far from perfect, neither are we. But God saw him as a man after his own heart. We are too when we seek God in faith.

Psalm 36

Psalms 36:1-12 GNB Sin speaks to the wicked deep in their hearts; they reject God and do not have reverence for him. (2) Because they think so highly of themselves, they think that God will not discover their sin and condemn it. (3) Their speech is wicked and full of lies; they no longer do what is wise and good. (4) They make evil plans as they lie in bed; nothing they do is good, and they never reject anything evil.

(5) LORD, your constant love reaches the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the skies. (6) Your righteousness is towering like the mountains; your justice is like the depths of the sea. People and animals are in your care. (7) How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of your wings. (8) We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness. (9) You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light. (10) Continue to love those who know you and to do good to those who are righteous.

(11) Do not let proud people attack me or the wicked make me run away. (12) See where evil people have fallen. There they lie, unable to rise.

The sinful imagine sinful things to do. It is better to chose to imagine God's loving kindness, his goodness. That's what I get from this. When I am thinking sinfully I imagine sinful things. It is much better to put our thoughts on God. Can we find more excitement in meditating on God than on meditating on mischief, sin, evil? I like my fantasies. But at times I do enjoy my time with God. I do try to work on it, be consciously before God.

The psalmist starts by condemning the imagination of the wicked who plan evil, speak lies. They never reject anything that is evil.

Rather we should plan how to love God better. Better to imagine God and his glory.

This psalm has two obvious parts. First condemning evil, then extolling the greatness of God. Well then a third section of intercession, asking God to protect him from evil men. Right now I confess and profess and ask all three. Help me not to have evil imaginings. Second thank you and bless you God for how great you are. I confess that right now. Thirdly I ask God to protect me from men who are trying defame and ruin me. That's a real thing for me right now.