The root of all evil stems from a lack of reverential fear of God. Such an attribute thrives in the heart of wicked who persist in evil continually. Further, God does not always judge evil deeds instantly, for Solomon observes, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil” (Ecc 8:11). David adds (in this Psalm) that the wicked reassure their own conscience that their sin is securely hidden, thus, “For he flatters himself in his own eyes, that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated” (v2). For surely if such a person was a believer, they would embrace God’s view on sin and despise it. Unfortunately, according to David, this is not the philosophy of life by which an unbeliever lives by.
God’s people are surrounded in world filled with those that hate Him and His rule. The nations are hostile to his authority and his Anointed One (cf., Ps 2:1-3). David prays (as we should) that God would continue to shower his steadfast love over his people, that our faith be preserved in the midst of their plots and evil acts. We are assured that when we take refuge in God, we discover his divine resources made available to us, such as:
- His Love
- His Faithfulness
- His Righteousness
- His Justice
Through these things, God binds himself to his people, i.e., those in covenant relationship with him through the blood of Jesus Christ. David words are a comfort, as it reminds us of God’s loyal love that fills the entire creation, “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds” (v5). Jesus Christ who reigns in heaven (Eph 1:20-23) is our surety of this promise. God’s righteousness is firm and immovable as a mountain. His judgments are unsearchable for they are immeasurable as an abyss, or as David says, “…like the great deep,” that we may learn to trust in him.
Be encouraged my friends. Though the wicked seem to be great and numerous, our God is greater. Let John’s words soothe our weary spirits when he says, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 Jn 4:4). Let us seek daily refuge in the shadow of his wings. Let us drink from the fountain of life and look upon his glorious light that we may live! Let us trust Christ to guard our faith against the influences of this fallen world, as David also petitioned God, “Let not the foot of the arrogant come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away” (v11). Why do we this? Because we believe God is our only true provision and life. Our philosophy on life differs drastically from the wicked in this way: They believe a life worth having is found in discovering wisdom, knowledge and understanding of self found within the human heart. In contrast, we agree with scripture that the beginning of acquiring all these things start with a fear of the Lord (Prv 9:10). Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com