Praying the PsalmsParaugs

Psalm 36

Do you ever look at the evil in the world and ask, “Who does these things?” We can’t help but shake our heads at the depravity of those who take advantage of children or the elderly. We see images of senseless violence and can’t believe our eyes. Social media and the 24-hour news cycle show us that crime and deceit are not merely plotlines for TV dramas or the latest espionage novel.

Evil is evil. And it has been around since the early chapters of Genesis. Recall in the days of Noah there was all evil, all the time. So God used an ark and the only man in whom God found favor to attempt to save the fallen world.

Yet, sin doesn’t have to be on the evening news in order for it to capture our attention or break the Father’s heart. Sin doesn’t make sense. If we seriously look at our own actions and thoughts, we realize that we would have joined the throngs left banging on the outside door of Noah’s ark when the rain started.

The Old Testament is filled with stories of God reaching out to his people while they reject him. From the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to Moses, David, Solomon, and the people who followed. There’s this oft-repeated cycle of sin, repentance, forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation then sin, repentance, forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation. Ultimately, God sent his one and only Son, Jesus, to redeem us. It is only through the work on the cross by Jesus that God sets the world right.

The sobering reality is there is no difference between the ones who we think are “terrible sinners” and you and me. Jesus says even if we sin in our thoughts, we are guilty. Yes, we are all sinners. Even when we try not to sin, we sin. Yet the blood of the Lamb redeemed us all.

If we will receive it, his grace is a priceless gift. His compassion and favor lead us to living waters and abundant blessings. He delights in offering us a treasure chest of love and bountiful feasts!

Prayer

God. Abba. Father.

We honor you today. We offer only praise. We humbly ask you to forgive us when we are arrogant or talk in ways that are not honoring to you. We stand before you today and reject those things that are wrong. We turn to you.

Your love is faithful. It reaches as far as we can see – from the highest mountain peak to the deepest depth of the sea. Your decisions are just and fair. Your love is a treasure. It is priceless. We run to you to find shelter. You give us a feast to enjoy in your house when we are famished. We drink from unending rivers of living water when we are parched and thirsty. You open our eyes to see your brilliance in glorious light.

Lord, you never stop loving us. Thank you! And use us to welcome new hearts into your Kingdom. Protect us from those who are prideful and independent. They will fall in their selfish ways.

We open our hands and our hearts to you, Jesus. Always.

Amen.