New: 18 February 2025
God —
The Fountain of Life
Psalm 36
For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
Psalm 36:9 NKJV
Created in God's Image
At the beginning was God, who created all things (Genesis 1:1), the eternal Logos through whom all things came into being. Nothing was created without Him and in Him is life (John 1:1-4). All life comes from God. With Him is the fountain of life (Psalm 36:9) and 'the spring of living water' (Jeremiah 2:13). God's people were invited to draw from 'the wells of salvation' (Isaiah 12; E12) and be filled with God's goodness that truly satisfies (Isaiah 55). Yet Israel's sin was that they had forsaken the source of all life and pursued wrong things which leads to a failed life and community, because, metaphorically speaking, they tried to carry water in cisterns that cannot hold water. This is symbolic for chasing things that fade away and therefore not worth pursuing. The pride of life and sinful lust will all vanish, but those who do the will of God will endure forever (1 John 2:15-17). When we look at the world from the perspective of eternity, everything changes. When we see ourselves as created in the image God, everything starts to make sense. When we come to Jesus, we can have access to the 'water' that truly satisfies—His life through His Spirit (John 4:13-14; 7:37-39). Jesus is the Logos in whom is life (John 1:14-18).
When God made Adam, He breathed His Spirit into Him and he became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). God gives life, and God put in man and woman to bring forth new life: the pro-creation process. This worldview is phenomenal; it is life-changing. When we see ourselves as created in God's image, we realise that we are not a coincident or an accident without meaning, we are created by design with purpose. Understanding God as the source of life and that we created in His image gives us a sense of belonging: we came from God and we belong to God. He is a Father even for those who were forsaken (Psalm 27:10; 68:5). We can become His children and He gives us His Spirit, the spirit of adoption (Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:15). We call God 'Abba,' which is Aramaic for 'Daddy,' an intimate way to call your father.
Father God is Provider
When David referred to God that 'the fountain of life' is with Him (Psalm 36:9), He spoke of God's provision that gives abundant provisions and satisfaction (v 8). He wrote of the greatness of God's mercy and faithfulness (His love), as well as of God's judgments and righteousness in the earth (His justice)—all of which is important (vv 5-6). God's being is perfectly balanced in both love and justice: His love is a just love; His justice is a loving justice. David praised God for His 'lovingkindness' that was 'precious' to him (v 7). God's children can take refuge under the shadow of His wings (cf., Psalm 91; E8) and find safety, shelter and protection (Psalm 36:7). It is important that we know how to draw on God's provisions and find God's protection when life is difficult. He provides. Father God is Provider.
Oh, continue Your lovingkindness
to those who know You,
and Your righteousness
to the upright in heart.
Psalm 36:10 NKJV
God's Provisions in Difficulties
David's prayer was for God's lovingkindness and righteousness to be extended to those who know Him, to the upright in heart )Psalm 36:10). The parallel lines indicate that those know God are to be upright in heart. The God who knows our heart (1 Samuel 16:7) sees right through any false pretence or fake performance. He won't be fooled. Jesus was clear about having pure motives, godly alliances and right priorities in life when trusting God for His provision (see Matthew 6).
The importance for David, praying for God's lovingkindness and righteousness to continually be granted to His people, was also to have God's provision in the face of difficulties. He prayed that 'the foot of pride' and 'the hand of the wicked' won't come against him and drive him away (Psalm 36:11). He trusted God that although they seem powerful at times, that they would get what they deserve (v 12). He didn't wish for any bad things to happen to them; he prayed for God's protection from their evil deeds.
In fact, the psalm starts with David contemplating on the transgression of the wicked who do not fear God (v 1). They are no longer wise (v 3b), for without the fear of God there is no wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; see Q7). They flatter themselves when they do wrong, speaking wicked and deceitful words (vv 2-3). People often seek to cover up their evil with cheap talk. God sees right through this hypocrisy; it will not stand before Him. The wicked will devise wickedness and sets himself (or herself) up for a wrong path in life (v 4). It's a choice—a bad one—but it is a choice. We all get to choose what we do with the chances before us—every day! The wicked does not abhor evil—how could he (or she), without the fear God (v 4b)? For the fear of God is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13; Job 28:28).
David prayed for God's provision of lovingkindness and righteousness, love and justice, to continue, for he lived in a world of wickedness and godlessness—and so do we. People will be lovers of pleasure and self, rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4). The godliness they profess to have is fake because it is void of God's power (v 5). Those who know God and are upright in heart, are to follow the godly example of those who demonstrated Christ-like character: faith, patiences, love, endurance in suffering and persecutions, and those who are sound in doctrine (vv 10-11). Those who want to live godly lives will be persecuted (v 12) by imposters and evil men who teach heresy contrary to God's Word (vv 13-17). God's provision is in living by His inspired Word (vv 16-17). No compromise; because evil is overcome by doing good (Romans 12:21). We are not to fear those who temporarily prosper in wickedness, but do good as we trust God (Psalm 37; E2). God is faithful in His provisions even in difficulties.