In our ‘Wells of Salvation’ series, we looked at Psalm 36:5-10, a psalm written by David which focuses on the abundance and satisfaction found in God. The psalm talks of God’s ‘river of delights’, a wonderfully evocative phrase which reminds us of God’s generous, giving nature, and of ‘the fountain of life’, a reminder that all life, light and love come from God Himself.
Rivers and fountains are places of refreshment; the river and spring at Fontaine de Vaucluse in the Provence area of France once provided me with refreshment from the hot summer sun and remains a favourite place of mine. Often, we find ourselves jaded, weary and disconsolate due to the pressures of life; like David, we may struggle with questions of how evil seems to flourish and the wicked do not reject what is wrong. (Ps 36:1-4, see also Ps 73.) At times like this, we need to fix our attention on God so that our perspective is changed.
A clear focus on God’s nature – found in God’s word – provides a counterweight to the pressures of life. When we see who God is and what He is like, we are able to take the long view and can have confidence that He will deal with injustice and wrong (see Ps 36:11-12). If we want our lives to be balanced, we need to do as David did and ponder who God is!
