Feasting on God

This psalm, like several others, draws sharp contrasts between the godly and the ungodly. There is nothing attractive or life-enhancing about the way of the wicked, which is portrayed here as self-deluding, malicious and morally corrupt (1–4). Its primary fault is failure to acknowledge God or to fear the consequences of going against him (1). Sure, this is a caricature, but it is one that is not hard to recognize, even if the description is not uplifting to read.

What is uplifting, and where the psalm sparkles with joy, is when it speaks of the greatness of God. God’s love, faithfulness and righteousness are as high as the heavens, the sky and the highest mountain; divine justice reaches into the deepest sea (5,6). God’s preserving love is known by animals and people alike; it is unfailing in character and beyond price. We can take refuge in God’s protecting care and know we are secure (7,8). God is our resource, the one in whose house we may satisfy ourselves, because God is like an overflowing river of delights, a fountain of life who bathes us in light (9). While the wicked are closed to God and fester in their own inner bitterness, the godly are radically open to God and allow all his benefits and blessings to shine upon them and flow through them.

Perhaps there are those who recognize in this psalm a “before” and an “after.” The wicked are what I used to be like, turned in upon myself in sordid misery. I was without a future and a hope. Then, through grace, I turned my life towards God and discovered life abundant as the light dawned and life was transfigured by glory. There is every reason why we should know that today.

Verse 7 speaks of the protection of the Lord. How have you experienced this promise? Verses 8 and 9 speak of the satisfaction of the Lord. How have you experienced this promise?