2022

I’m not sure if I will have the time or stamina to consistently write in this space in the coming year, but I think I’m going to put it down as a goal.

I’m not sure what sort of writing I will focus on, but here’s what’s on my mind this morning:

An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked person:

Dread of God has no effect on him.

For with his flattering opinion of himself, he does not discover and hate his iniquity.

- Psalm 36:1-2

It’s important for me to have a realistic view of myself. Some very kind people, who are gifts to God’s church, are especially good at taking Romans 12:10 seriously. These people frequently remind me of my gifts. I grew up in an environment where taking compliments was discouraged. Giving compliments was too, so it wasn’t much of a problem.

I’ve learned to thank others for the ways that they show me honor, but Psalm 36:2 is a reminder that a man that believes his own press can become blind to his sin. When I believe that I am awesome I’m not likely to take the time to allow God to “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.”

I need to be in the habit of “discovering” my iniquity so that I can hate it. The assumption there is that it needs discovering. It lives deep inside my heart and soul and it’s only by the sometimes painful work of God, to claw at my scales and pierce my flesh like Aslan does to Eustace in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, that I will be able to find those things that exist deep within me that need to be exhumed and repented of.

Psalm 36 goes on to praise Yahweh for his faithful love. It it weren’t for this reality the process of digging up my sin would be unbearable. Fortunately, the one helping me dig loves me more than I can even understand.