Psalm 36
In Psalm 36, we encounter a striking contrast between human shortcomings and the perfect love of God. This passage openly addresses the moral struggles inherent in our human nature, but it doesn’t leave us dwelling on our flaws. Instead, it redirects our attention to the unwavering love and righteousness of God, which surpasses our understanding. The Psalmist invites us to contemplate deeply our own nature and how we connect with our Heavenly Father. It’s not just an exposé of human failings; it’s a beacon of hope, directing us to find solace and inspiration in the steadfast goodness of our Creator.
Starting Out:
- Do you think most people think of other people as generally good or generally bad?
- Why do you think people lean towards one view or the other?
Read Psalm 36:1-4:
- Which of these descriptions stands out to you the most?
- How does verse 2 explain why the world minimizes the great divide between God and man?
- Do these descriptions of “the wicked” challenge or affirm your understanding of sin?
Read Psalm 36:5-9:
- As we read verses 5-7, which attributes of God stand out to you the most? How do they contrast with the description of the wicked in the previous verses?
- How have you experienced God’s provision and abundance in your own life?
- Given the negative depiction of people in verses 1-4, how does David offer hope to humanity in verses 7-9?
Read Psalm 36:10-12:
- In verse 10, there is a plea for the continuance of God’s love and righteousness. How can this verse shape our own prayers for ourselves and for others?
- When faced with temptations or feelings of pride, how do you handle them?
- How does the assurance of God’s justice impact your daily life and decisions?
Taking it Home:
- Think of someone who understands their own sinfulness and God’s goodness. What stands out about them? Inspired by their example, what’s one step you can take this week to follow suit?
- How well are we recognizing our flaws and honoring God’s goodness as a group? Where can we improve? Let’s each choose one thing to pray for this week, either personally or for our group.
Additional Scriptures to Engage with this week:
- Isaiah 42:1-9
- Ephesians 2:1-10
- Micah 7:8-20
- Romans 5:6-11
- Psalm 103:8-14
- Nehemiah 9