PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 14
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 14:1)
David is not just speaking about intellectual atheists of agnostics.
David has in mind people who don’t believe in goodness or accountability.
They do what they want, they hurt others, without worrying about consequences.
This is not just intellectual doubt, this is moral arrogance and folly.
In David’s world, there were many cruel, corrupt and violent people.
If they had power, they used it for no good – devouring the weak like bread.
I believe in God, and I believe in good, and I believe that both matter.
The folly is not intellectual questioning or doubt or denial of God.
It is living without regard for God or others, being cruel and heartless.
It is people who ignore the weak, who abuse their privilege and power over others.
It is not just atheists who do this; there are christians who do this too.
The greatest fools are christians who act as if they do not need to love others.
In my experience, I know atheists who care and love more than christians.
God looks down and sees how we relate to others, whether we are loving or cruel.
PRAYER
Lord, your greatest struggle was not with people with doubts, but with people – often who believed in God – who harmed or hindered others. Help me not to be a christian fool.
“Do all these evildoers know nothing?” Later the Psalmist says “But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. 6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge.” Seems to me the key is that they do realize that God is present in those who believe who follow Jesus – so they do know something. It means that we need to be faithful in our following – standing up for justice particularly for the poor. It is my hope and prayer that we may be used to help the evildoers know more than just dread and fear but rather to find mercy and be humbled before God. Earthly success can blind us – make us fools- for believers too – who get fooled in thinking that they are okay yet do little or nothing for justice for victims/for the poor.
Being restored.
Following the law – love God. Love man.
God is ever present. He is my Refuge.
As I stand on the threshold of a new year
may I walk with the Lord in the Light of His Word
and rejoice that He is my Lord and Saviour.
Praise Him today and always.
The joy of the Lord is my strength.
1 God is always near me,
hearing what I say,
knowing all my thoughts and deeds,
all my work and play.
2 God is always near me;
in the darkest night
He can see me just the same
as by mid-day light.
3 God is always near me,
though so young and small;
not a look or word or thought,
but God knows it all.