Nov 6 Daily Rhythms

Morning
Psa. 36:1-4   

Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good. He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.

This section of Psalms deals with something we would rather not consider: Sin. Sin is any violation of God’s will or design. We do it all the time. There are those who like this Psalm suggests, are plotting evil. And there are those who slip into it slowly. Take a moment and consider where you slip into it accidentally. How are you struggling with sin in your own heart today? Try to be aware of your attitudes and actions that are a violation of God’s design. Ask him to make you more aware today as you do this.

Afternoon
Psa. 36:5-9   

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.

This mornings reading from the beginning of this Psalm dealt with sin. Consider the pursuing love of God in spite of this. God is right to judge sin and condemn it, yet he is also gracious and kind to provide a way out. Notice that he protects us from ourselves. Coming to him for our delight is a certain escape from sin. We will find in him that there is no better place to find joy. Pray that you may delight in him today.

Evening
Psa. 36:10 -12 

Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart! Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise.

As you settle down for the evening take note: God continues his pursuing love to those who know him. He is kind enough to chase you, even when it means rescuing you from yourself. Thank God now for his goodness.