Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2515 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue exploring Psalm 36. In the previous verses, David reflected on the nature of sin and its devastating effects. In verses 5 through 9, David turns his focus to God’s character, celebrating His love, faithfulness, righteousness, and provision. These verses contrast humanity’s sinfulness with God’s majesty and goodness, drawing our hearts to worship and gratitude.
Let’s begin by reading Psalm 36:5-9 from the New Living Translation:
Psalm 36:5-9 (NLT)
5 Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
Your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
7 How precious is Your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of Your wings.
8 You feed them from the abundance of Your own house,
letting them drink from Your river of delights.
9 For You are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
God’s Unfailing Love and Faithfulness (Verse 5):
David begins this section in Verse 5 by declaring, “Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.” This verse paints a breathtaking picture of God’s love and faithfulness. David compares God’s love to the heavens, emphasizing its immeasurable and infinite nature. The vastness of the sky reminds us that God’s love is beyond human comprehension—it’s limitless, all-encompassing, and enduring.
Likewise, God’s faithfulness is described as extending “beyond the clouds.” Faithfulness here refers to God’s reliability and unwavering commitment to His promises. God remains steadfast no matter what happens in our lives or the world around us. He is faithful to His Word, His character, and His people.
These descriptions offer us comfort and assurance. In a world where relationships and commitments often falter, God’s love and faithfulness stand firm. When we feel uncertain or overwhelmed, we can look to the heavens and be reminded that His care for us is unfailing and eternal.
God’s Righteousness and Justice (Verse 6):
In verse 6, David continues to exalt God’s character: “Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.” Here, David uses the imagery of nature to describe God’s righteousness and justice. The “mighty mountains” symbolize strength, stability, and permanence, reflecting God’s righteousness and unchanging and perfect nature. Just as the mountains are immovable, God’s righteousness is unwavering—it forms the foundation of His rule and His actions.
David then compares God’s justice to “the ocean depths.” The...
