Psalm 36

0 To the leader. Of David, the servant of the LORD.
1  Transgression speaks to the wicked
  deep in their hearts;
 there is no fear of God
  before their eyes.
2  For they flatter themselves in their own eyes
  that their iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3  The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit;
  they have ceased to act wisely and do good.
4  They plot mischief while on their beds;
  they are set on a way that is not good;
  they do not reject evil.
5  Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
  your faithfulness to the clouds.
6  Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
  your judgments are like the great deep;
  you save humans and animals alike, O LORD.
7  How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
  All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8  They feast on the abundance of your house,
  and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9  For with you is the fountain of life;
  in your light we see light.
10  O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
  and your salvation to the upright of heart!
11  Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me,
  or the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12  There the evildoers lie prostrate;
  they are thrust down, unable to rise.

Daily Prayer (based on Psalm 36:8)

Gracious God, sometimes we think of faith as a matter of self-denial, of fasting, of restraining our natural impulses. And, sometimes, these actions are right and good. But this verse reminds me that relationship with You is also a matter of feasting, abundance, and delight. With You there is rich blessing. You created us with the ability to celebrate. And You have invited us to celebrate along with You.

Postscript

For better and for worse, Christianity came to us through the mediation of the Greek world. Part of this Hellenistic worldview included a valuing of spirit and a devaluing of matter. Thus Christianity became more other-worldly, more ascetic, more dour than it was intended to be. The more we know the Old Testament, however, including the Psalms, the more we'll discover that relationship with God and living in His power is a feast, a celebration, a party. Sure, there will be times of hardship, times of fasting, times in the desert. But, in the end, God's life is like a banquet. God Himself invites us to turn from the emptiness of this life and enjoy the rich food of His banquet (Isaiah 25:6; 55:2).

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Except for the Scripture text, all material of The Daily Psalm Copyright © 2006 by Mark D. Roberts

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The Scripture text used in The Daily Psalm is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved