Ps. 36: God vs. Evil

Psalm 36:9 "For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."

It probably wouldn't cross my mind to contrast God with evil people, but this is what happens in Psalm 36. Its an exercise in compare and contrast.

So what's the deal with evil men? They have no fear of God before their eyes. This is not to say they don't believe in God, because to have no fear (or awe) of God still regards Him...still allows for God to be. So to believe God is, but then to disavow Him. Pay Him no mind. That is truly evil. To go to length to believe a god like God exists, but then not to want Him on your side, very strange. That is the pull of sin. So blinding that it would cause man to reject a God, an almighty power, that he believes exists. This happens when people choose not to get to know God, they choose to reject his precepts.

Conversely, God's attributes of love, faithfulness, righteousness and justice are incomprehensible...described as inconceivably massive. Deep as the ocean, big as the mountains. It makes no record of who is large as a man, and who is small. Position, status and bank accounts mean nothing to this God. His love and refuge is for all. God doesn't have to impress anyone or convince anyone of this fact. All are invited to taste and see, and to dine at his table.

Verse 9 is particularly poetic to me. God is the fountain of life...evil men, the fountain of death. The idea that by God's light, we see light. Of course light is illuminating, causes growth, gives birth to wisdom, and all things that are good. But without God's light, even the light by which we would pretend to perceive anything would likely be pitch black, still shrouded in the dark. It is only by the light God provides that we can see anything. And to have my light be God's light...that is the goal.