Abiding in the PsalmsSample

Two ways to live

This psalm starts and ends by describing “the wicked”- people who are too caught up in themselves to see their own sin. The centre of this psalm talks about God. He is Lord, He is righteous, and He is faithful to us from the highest mountain to the deepest parts of the ocean. We can trust Him. He is a fountain of life. This part describes what God does, and what we should do in return. God preserves us, so we can take refuge in Him.

Pride tells us we can protect ourselves, but when we inevitably fall, it is God who has the strength to pick us up again. If God is the source of life, if He is the light by which we can see everything else, then the only natural response is to take refuge in the shadow of His wings. We can turn to God and remember that He is with us in every situation.

This psalm shows two ways to live your life. The first option is to live in a way that prioritises what you want - you look after yourself first, you flatter yourself, you lie when you want to, and do things that you know are wrong. The second option is shown in verse 4 – don’t enjoy what is wrong, and instead choose to reject it. Instead of plotting to make sure you get what you want, you choose to “drink from God’s river of delights”. Instead of talking yourself up, be humble and acknowledge that if we know anything it is because of God, since “in Your light we see light”. Instead of looking out for yourself, look at God and remember who He is, and remember all that He does to take care of you.

Prayer

God, help me to trust you. When the time comes please help me to reject evil. Let me trust you, and not decide to take care of myself at other people’s expense. Thank you for being the one thing I can always rely on, and thank you for always being faithful to your promises. Help me to be patient. Comfort me right now, and continue to show me love. Let me know you more, and every day let me be a little bit more like you.