Examine your heart
The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good. – Psalms 36:3
This Psalm reminds me that there are areas in my life where I need to keep my heart in check continually. It identifies areas that may be hiding in my heart that others cannot see, but when I am being honest with myself and God, I can see evil intents that can be passed of as good intention. Are there areas where I am ignoring God’s guidance or becoming complacent in my relationship with Him? Am I remaining humble and reverent, or is pride creeping in and steering me away from a holy fear of the Lord??
Below is a break down of what David identified in today’s passage as evil and actions to watch for in your own life. I have contrasted them with the opposite action so that you can easily see what you should be doing verses what you might be hiding inside.
- No fear of God
Instead: Reverence the Lord with a holy awe, fearing not being close to Him.
- Thinking we are better than others and letting them know
Instead: Look for ways to bring out the good in others, loving and uplifting them.
- Speaking wicked and deceitful words
Instead: Use your words to speak kindness, truth, and encouragement
- Not being wise or doing good
Instead: Seek God’s wisdom and look for ways to bless and serve those around you.
- Thinking only of personal gain, regardless of who gets hurt
Instead: Put others first, helping them get ahead and offering support where needed.
- Setting oneself on a path that is not good
Instead: Walk in a godly direction, making choices that honor and reflect God’s heart.
- Chasing after what is evil
Instead: having a deep hatred for sin and injustice, hate what God hates.
It was just a week or so ago when I found myself struggling in my own thought life. It didn’t even feel like I was doing anything wrong. That is how deceitful the enemy can be. I was having a lot of bad feelings about my self personally. Every interaction I was having with others would leave me questioning if I said or did the right thing. I was actually worrying about my actions with others, so much so that I kept replaying the conversations over in my mind and trying to figure out why I said the things I said and how I could make it right. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it was where I was at the time.
Finally, I realized that I cannot do anything about what already happened and replaying it over again in my mind was not helping. Instead, it was just making me feel worse. As soon as I realized what was going on, I turned it all over to God. I thanked Him that He could bring good out of those conversations, even when I felt I had fallen short. Every time the negative thoughts returned, I used them as a reminded to trust that God would work turn those conversations for good for the kingdom of heaven. That’s what God does—He takes what the enemy meant for evil and turns it for good as we commit our ways to Him.
David wrestled with the reality of wickedness and the temptation to stray from God’s ways, too. Yet, in today’s reading, after acknowledging the evil paths some take, he shifts his focus back to God’s character. He reminds himself of God’s mercy and faithfulness, His righteousness and justice. David praised the Lord for His ability to preserve both man and beast, recognizing that God’s lovingkindness is the ultimate source of hope.
When we feel weighed down by our struggles, doubts, or even failures, like David, we can turn our hearts back to the truth of who God is. His mercy never runs out, and His faithfulness is unshakable. We can put our trust in Him, knowing that He will guide us, preserve us, and bring us into the fullness of His love and goodness.
Today I want to encourage you to examine your heart and take a step closer to your heavenly Father and the truth of His word. It’s easy to get caught up in the distractions and temptations of this world, but you are called to live in reverence, humility, and love. As you keep your hearts open to God’s correction, you can trust Him to transform your weaknesses into strengths and turn your missteps into testimonies of His grace. Remember, no matter where you are or what you face, God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness will always guide you back to Him.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 36
1 An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes, when he finds out his iniquity and when he hates.
3 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 He devises wickedness on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil.
5 Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.
10 Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the workers of iniquity have fallen; They have been cast down and are not able to rise.
The Daily Dose 