The Four Corners

Patricia Lake, Alberta

North, south, east and west—the four “corners” of the world. Those of generations long since past believed that the earth was flat. If you traveled far enough in any direction you were bound to fall off the edge. We know better now. The corners are curves and they intersect somewhere, creating a never-ending connection, a circle of life and history.

Psalm 36 reminded me of God’s never-ending circle and the wonderful fact that He has all the “corners” covered.

“Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD” (vss 5, 6).

Love

Faithfulness

Righteousness

Judgment

It’s all there—the complete package, all inclusive.

Other parts of the psalm describe these elements, as essential to our spiritual well-being as the classical elements are to our physical well-being, a needful as earth, fire, water, and air.

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (vs 7). His love protects us.

“They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the rivers of your delights” (vs 8). Because He is faithful, the provision we need is guaranteed.

“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light” (vs 9). His righteousness bestowed on those of us who believe, covers us and serves to guide us through life.

“Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise” (vss 11, 12). His judgment on evil is inevitable, but those who shelter under His wings do not need to fear it. Our future good is secure.

These last verses contain a warning. The challenges of life often threaten our belief that God does protect us, provide for us, and guide us. The temptations of life call us to trust in ourselves. The psalmist asks God to keep him from weakening, from listening, when the siren call of rebellion sounds. While we thank God that He has all the “corners” covered, and we count on Him for that love, faithfulness, and righteousness, we also count on Him to keep us close.

We bask in His embrace. We enjoy all His blessings. We eagerly follow His path. We do not fear the future. The hymn writer echoes the psalmist thoughts:

“On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”