At first glance Psalm 36 seems to propose that there are two kinds of people in this world, the wicked evildoers (Psalm 36:1, 12), on the one hand, and the upright of heart, who know the Lord (36:10). Yet the story turns out to be a little more complex than that.

First, there’s the reality that even though I desire to be one of those upright in heart folks, nevertheless transgression still manages to speak to me pretty effectively (36:1). Too often I turn out to be someone who flatters myself that this time my iniquity will be neither found out nor hated by those around me (36:2). And certainly it is not yet sufficiently hated by me.

Yet the precious steadfast love of the Lord invites me – and indeed, all people – not only the righteous, then, but us evildoers as well – to find refuge, and abundance of blessings, in the presence of God (36:7-8). “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light” (36:9). Let us quickly and eagerly turn to God for salvation, so that we may delight in “your steadfast love to those who know you” (36:10).

Because it isn’t just about us, and our sense of who might be wickeder than ourselves: it’s about the astonishing gracious love of God. “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord” (Psalm 36:5-6).

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It is by your light that we see, O Lord: that we see the truth about ourselves, and about this world in which we live. And it is in your presence that we can drink from the river of your delights.