God at the center

Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God to restrain them. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. Everything they say is crooked and deceitful. They refuse to act wisely or do what is good. They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their course of action is never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil. Psalm 36: 1-4 NLT

Those who do not fear God have nothing to keep them from doing evil or planning devious plots. Does this mean true fear or is it more a mark of respect? Should we be terrified of God, cowering under the threat of judgment/punishment? Certainly a healthy respect of God would make most of us think twice about doing something wicked.

But these wicked people of this psalm are more than doers of evil. They are also blinded to their own wickedness. They don't even have the realization that what they do is evil. I think that a healthy fear of God is more than just respect. It is also a realization that you are not the center of the universe. God is. With God at the center of your world, you are less likely to do your own will and more likely to do God's. You are also better able to see when you do wrong.

Putting God at the center of our world keeps sin from whispering deep in our hearts. We have God to restrain us. We can then act wisely and do what is good.

God, you are the center of my world. YOU are the center of my world. Help me to see myself clearly and orient myself to where you are. In Jesus name. Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims