Why Do I Do...?

Psalm 36 presents a fascinating look at the human heart. I think this is where secular and so-called Christian counseling eventually fail. They do not look at the human heart as the main issue in non-organic personal struggles. But this passage is quite clear in its description of why I do what I do. First of all, I do not live every detail of my life in reference to God. Probably because I do not believe He is interested in or cares about those details. Then I tell myself I am not so bad. That usually happens when I compare myself with someone else. Therefore I am unable to detect and do anything about the real problem of the heart - sin. I really do live out what I believe about life, God, sin, redemption, the future, etc. But then according to the passage I plan my life without reference to God. Unless I hope He approves of what I am planning. This passage is very much like Rom 1:18-32. There the Bible goes deeper into the human heart and exposes what it is I fear, want, or love more than I do God. John Calvin was right when he said the human heart is an idol factory. It is very easy to exchange worship of the Creator for worship of the created thing. The resulting life conflicts from loving, wanting, and fearing something or someone more than God are plenty. However, the refreshing part of Psalm 36 begins in verse 5. In essence God is saying: "This is what you are like. This is what I am like. Now find your escape in me for only I can satisfy deeply." Not a bad exchange.