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Reading: Psalm 36
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD.
(Verses 1-4)
I have a message from God in my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God
before their eyes.
In their own eyes they flatter themselves
too much to detect or hate their sin.
The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful;
they fail to act wisely or do good.
Even on their beds they plot evil;
they commit themselves to a sinful course
and do not reject what is wrong (NIV).
Winter glory — Grey Nuns Park, Orleans, Ontario — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
Psalm 36 is a psalm of contrasts. David compares the wickedness of man with the amazing goodness of God. This opening portion of the Psalm 36 touches only on the depravity of man. The picture we see of ourselves is not particularly flattering.
According to David the problem begins with our eyes. He states, “There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.”
The sinful person has a vision problem. He cannot see the dire consequences of his sin. Sin exacts a terrible price. Consider the lives wrecked by addiction to alcohol, drugs or pornography. Furthermore, the damage is not limited to those caught in the terrible grip of sin. It overflows and contaminates all those around. Sin blinds the eyes so we cannot see the suffering we are causing to ourselves and others.
Over time, even so called “small” sins can exact a heavy toll on our lives. Often in subtle ways sin robs us of intimacy, peace and joy. While we are blind to the problem, sin interferes with our relationship with God and those who are near to us. Daily, one should be asking oneself, do I have the right view of myself. In my mind am I flattering myself too much to detect or hate my sin? Have I become blind to my faults—faults that may be obvious to others?
There is a biblical prescription for the blindness caused by our sinful condition. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding (Psalm 111:10). The fear of the LORD opens our eyes. The fear of the LORD leads to repentance and the fear of the LORD enlightens our understanding.
What is keeping you from intimacy, joy and peace? Is it a plethora of secret sins that blind and bind you into unhealthy patterns of thinking? Ask God to give you a right view—an unflattering view of yourself—so that with His help you can change.
Response: LORD God, help me to see a true picture of myself. If I see sin in my life, help me to change. Grant me the gift of repentance through Jesus, who loved me to the point of death on a cross. Amen.
Your Turn: In our mind, all of us flatter ourselves. How do you maintain a right picture of yourself?
I love the Psalms 
Thanks, David. Excellent. David😀
Thank you, from one repentant self-flatterer to another.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thanks, Vincent!
For me, growing up in a strict, conservative church, I felt I was doomed to eternal hell. It took me until I was a young mother of three before I actually realized grace. In spite of that, the Holy Spirit led me through my childhood, training me in Christian schools. I guess I had to feel the sting of sin before I could feel the comfort of God’s grace. I think our sins should be a reminded of how much we need God for every area of our lives. Without that knowledge, the saving grace of Jesus would have no value to us. Even thought I now realize I don’t carry those old sins, because of what Jesus did, I still sin every day and will until I die. Yet I have peace knowing that God will carry me to heaven and eternal life.
Oh how we need the grace of God! Oh how we need the forgiveness of God! Thank you Lord for both.