Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Psalm 36 (NIV)
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord.
1 I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. 2 In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. 3 The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. 4 Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong. 5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. 10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. 11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12 See how the evildoers lie fallen— thrown down, not able to rise!
How has God refreshed or enlivened you?
Holy Father, I hurt over the evil that is in this world. I cry over the loss of life, the disregard for righteousness, and the turning away from You. People have become callused and calculated as they plot to do harm to others. There is a darkness that has covered our world. But You Lord, have lifted me out of the fear. Your Love surrounds me and gives me comfort. You have made it known to me that You are in control and I trust in Your righteousness and justice. Your love reaches to the heavens and Your faithfulness to the skies. There is no limit to Your love. All people and animals are under your care. There is no need to fear. You will not turn Your back on those who love You. You hear the prayers and thoughts of those who have faith in You. I have hope in Your power to save all those who know You. I am strengthened by those who boldly proclaim Your Word. Your love is a treasure, and I find shelter in the shadow of your wings. Your love is priceless and unfailing. I am encouraged by Your faithfulness. Help me to stay focused on Your power, Your wisdom, Your compassion, and Your love. Let me rest in Your peace. Energize me to serve You in ways that will encourage and expand Your kingdom. Refresh my spirit as I worship You with all my heart and soul. Let me look with anticipation to the future where You will reign victoriously. You are God and I trust in You. Amen