February 19, 2009
GIMME SHELTER
Psalm 36
Robert Lamkin
Central Truth
Our Father faithfully protects and provides for His children throughout eternity.
Key Verse | Psalm 36:7
How precious is your loyal love, O God! The human race finds shelter under your wings. (Psalm 36:7)
Psalm 36
How Precious Is Your Steadfast Love
To the choirmaster. Of David, the servant of the LORD.
1
Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
1
36:1
Some Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac, Jerome (compare Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts in my heart
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3
The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
4
He plots trouble while on his bed;
he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he does not reject evil.
5
Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
6
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O LORD.
7
How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.
10
Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
11
Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12
There the evildoers lie fallen;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.
Footnotes
[1] 36:1 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac, Jerome (compare Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts in my heartDive Deeper | Psalm 36
Oh a storm is threat'ning my very life today
If I don't get some shelter
Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away
--The Rolling Stones (Gimme Shelter)
As I write this, our country is going through a severe financial crisis. Banks are failing, and the stock market is crashing. In my own small business, my partners and I are struggling against an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty. Despite our best planning, our financial security is threatened. We can see the storms approaching, but where are we to find shelter?
In this psalm David also faces a storm that frightens him. Evil men threaten to overtake him. They are blinded by their own arrogance and do not recognize their own sin. David fears that the evil men could make him homeless. Fortunately, he knows where to turn.
David turns in prayer to our heavenly Father whose love is boundless, who is faithful beyond imagination, and who is simply beyond compare. David knows that despite our fallen position, God is a loving Father who will protect us and provide for us. In the end, David rejoices and is comforted because he can already see the evil ones defeated.
Our Father promises throughout Scripture to protect His faithful children. Another verse that gives me great comfort says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7, NIV) In my own distress it has been wonderful to rely on His strength and to find rest in Him. The difficult times are still painful, but He helps me through them. And although I don't yet know all of the challenges I will face in this life, I do know that I can count on the love and protection of my Father in heaven. I know this because I have trusted in His Son and surrendered my life to Him. When my time here is finished, I will be with my Father in the house He has prepared for me.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you searched your heart for the sin that your pride keeps you from seeing clearly?
2. Have you thanked God today for His protection and provision?
3. Have you placed your complete trust in Him and acknowledged His sovereignty in all aspects of your life?
4. If you don't know the joy and comfort of God's shelter that comes from knowing and surrendering to His Son, why not begin learning more about Him today?