The goodness of God

In the first half of Psalm 36, we saw the evil of mankind. In the second half, we see the goodness of God.

I love how David describes the character of God here.

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep. (Psalm 36:5–6)

In this world we see so many whose love is shallow. Who prove to be unworthy of our trust. Who do what is good and just only when it suits them.

But God is not like that. His love extends to the heavens, and his faithfulness has no bounds. His righteousness stands firm no matter the situation, and his justice swallows up all who would do evil.

Yet within his justice, there is room for mercy and grace.

O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!

Both high and low among men
find 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. (6–9)

After the flood, God promised never to destroy the world through water again. And despite our sin, he shows us mercy, waiting for us to repent.

More, in his unfailing love, he didn’t wait for us to turn to him, but he reached down to us, sending his Son to provide the way of salvation.

Now, everyone, both rich and poor, powerful and weak, can find refuge and salvation in him. And in him, he not only provides our needs, but fills us with joy, life, and light.

Lord, I thank you for your goodness. You were the fountain of life to me when I was dying. You brought light to my darkness.

Lord, reveal my sin to me and forgive me. Extend your mercy, grace, and goodness to me that I might know true joy and life. And help me to extend all you’ve given me to those around me.

Let me be your vessel. In Jesus’ name, amen.